Olushola Omogbehin
Nigeria Super Eagles has kept its dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup alive by defeating Lesotho 2-1
This came as Eric Chelle fielded a strong side with the coming back of the Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen and Saudi Pro League, Al-Kholood defender, William Troost-Ekong.
In the 6th minutes of the game, Moses Simon set the pace for the Eagles as he made effort to weave inside from the right wing but met with a strong Crocodiles defence.
In spite of dominant ball possession, Super Eagles were careless in passing the ball as Lesotho’s back five prevented the opposition forwards from accessing enough space to operate in.
At the38th minute, Osimhen came close in giving Nigeria a lead as he beat his marker to get on the end of a cross from the right wing before making a chance at goal, only for Sekhoane to keep out the effort. The Lesotho defence made every effort to repelled Super Eagles’ onslaught to end the first half goalless.
In the second half, Nigeria’s dominating possession got rewarded when Motlomelo Mkwanazi in the 53rd minute was said to have handled the ball, after he blocked a shot from Moses Simon. Ekong who stepped up to take the penalty kick finally found it hit the net.
Osimhen again in the 80th minute, led the ball to the right side of the penalty area where Akor Adamson took a touch and then drilled his effort past Sekhoane to double the lead.
The Crocodiles however got back through a corner kick that landed favourably to Hlompho Kalake, who delivered a shot over the top of Stanlee Nwabali.
However, Benin Republic scored in their own match, meaning Nigeria remain 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.
As it stands, the road to qualifying for world cup is for Super Eagles to win their final match against Benin Republic and also hope for a slip-up. Benin Republic and South Africa must drop points in their last fixtures.
Also, as Nigeria now falls behind Benin and South Africa, another pathway to victory is to improve the goal difference. Scoring more goals and keeping a clean sheet could be decisive if teams finish level on points.
