The Nigerian Super Eagles defeated Lesotho in a hard-fought 2-1 victory in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on October 10, 2025.
The 2-1 win over Lesotho propels the three-time African champions closer to qualification, pushing the drama to the final matchday.
The match at Peter Mokaba Stadium unfolded with the intensity expected in such high-stakes Group C encounters.
Nigeria, desperate for points after a rollercoaster campaign, dominated possession early but struggled to convert chances in a goalless first half.
Victor Osimhen, returning from injury, led the line with his trademark physicality, while Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi probed for openings.
However, Lesotho held on to ensure they kept a clean sheet and drew the first half.
Meanwhile, following the start of the second half, the Super Eagles continued the intensity.
Troost Ekong gave Nigeria the perfect start in the 55th minute by converting a penalty following a handball in the Lesotho box, sending the home fans into jubilation.
Akor Adams later doubled the advantage with a clinical finish in the 80th minute, seemingly putting Nigeria in control. Lesotho responded in the 83rd minute with a goal from Kalake, but the Eagles held firm to secure the crucial three points.
This means the Super Eagles defeated Lesotho and have already garnered 14 points.
However, as the Super Eagles defeated Lesotho, the victory was clouded by the win secured by the Benin Republic.
Benin Republic defeated Rwanda 1-0 to top Group C with 17 points.
South Africa, on the other hand, drew against Zimbabwe in a 0-0 match. South Africa was in pole position to secure World Cup Qualification in Group C, however, FIFA deducted three points from their tally for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho.
This means Nigeria remains behind on points and goal difference in Group C. With only one game remaining in the group, the Eagles’ fate is not entirely in their hands.
With Nigeria on 14 points and Benin now leading the group with 17 points, the Eagles still have several pathways to automatic qualification:
The first pathway is to win the final match against the Benin Republic. A victory is essential for the team to stay in contention.
The second pathway is for the Super Eagles to hope for a slip-up. Benin Republic and South Africa must drop points in their last fixtures.
The third pathway is to improve the goal difference. Nigeria trails Benin and South Africa, so scoring more goals and keeping a clean sheet could be decisive if teams finish level on points.
A final-day showdown could also be crucial. A strong performance in the last round could see Nigeria overtake the leaders, the Benin Republic, and secure the top spot.
For Lesotho, the defeat is a harsh blow, effectively ending their hopes of qualifying from the group. With nine points from five matches, they now need an almost impossible combination of results to stay in contention.
