NIGERIA’S senior national football team, the Super Eagles, on Friday, October 10, defeated Lesotho’s Crocodiles 2-1 to keep their dream of qualification for next year’s World Cup alive.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Africa qualifiers Group C match was played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Eric Chelle fielded a strong side with the return of the Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen, and Saudi Pro League, Al-Kholood, defender, William Troost-Ekong, who scored the team’s first goal from a penalty shot.
Despite their dominant ball possession, Nigeria were sloppy in passing the ball as Lesotho’s back five prevented the opposition forwards from accessing enough space to operate in.
Osimhen came close in the 38th minute in putting Nigeria ahead as he beat his marker to get on the end of a cross from the right wing before powering a chance at goal, only for Sekhoane to keep out the effort.
Despite the Super Eagles’ efforts, the Crocodiles’ defence repelled all attacks to end the first half goalless.
The second half resumed with Nigeria still dominating possession and earned a 53rd-minute spot-kick when Motlomelo Mkwanazi was adjudged to have handled the ball trying to block a shot from Moses Simon.
Ekong sent the ball to the bottom right-hand corner to break the deadlock.
The Eagles’ consistent pressure paid off as Osimhen, in the 80th minute, fed the ball to the right side of the penalty area to Akor Adamson, who took a touch and drilled his effort past Sekhoane to double the lead.
Lesotho pull one goal back when Hlompho Kalake shot the ball over the top of Nigeria’s goalie, Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria must beat Benin Republic in their next match on Tuesday, October 14, to stand a chance at qualification for the tournament, having faltered in past matches.
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