October 10, 2025-Published by Cyril
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have reignited their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Lesotho on Friday night in Polokwane.
After a tense first half, William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria the breakthrough in the 55th minute, calmly converting a penalty following a handball in the Lesotho box. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home fans.
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Striker Jerome Akor Adams doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 80th minute with a composed finish that appeared to seal the win. However, Lesotho pulled one back just three minutes later through Kalake, setting up a nervy ending. Despite the late pressure, the Super Eagles held firm to secure all three points and revive their qualification chances.
With the win, Nigeria now sit third in Group C with 14 points, trailing Benin Republic, who lead with 17 points, and South Africa, who are level on points but ahead on goal difference. With only one match remaining, the Eagles’ qualification hopes are still alive but not entirely in their hands.
To book a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria must:
- Win their final match against the Benin Republic to stay in contention.
- Hope for slip-ups from Benin Republic and South Africa in their remaining fixtures.
- Improve their goal difference, which could be decisive if teams finish level on points.
Head coach Eric Chelle praised his team’s determination after the vital win but admitted that the pressure remains intense.
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- “Today, we are happy because we got the three points — we are still alive. Maybe the journalists can do the mathematics for us,” Chelle told reporters after the match.
- “My players have felt the pressure since March. Every time they come to camp, they know how important it is for Nigeria to be at the World Cup. This win doesn’t solve everything, but it gives us hope.”
For Lesotho, the defeat dealt a crushing blow to their qualification dreams, leaving them with just nine points from five matches and little chance of progressing.
As the final round of qualifiers approaches, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles to see if they can complete the comeback and secure their place among football’s elite on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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