Nigeria secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lesotho to keep their slim hopes of qualifying for next year’s FIFA World Cup alive.
Super Eagles, needing nothing less than a win, came through thanks to second-half goals from William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams.
Ekong broke the deadlock in the 55th minute from the penalty spot after a Moses Simon effort was handled inside the box.
The captain stepped up and placed the ball into the bottom right corner. Although Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane guessed the right direction, he couldn’t keep it out.
Akor Adams, coming off the bench, doubled Nigeria’s advantage with a memorable debut goal.
The Sevilla striker was set up by Victor Osimhen, who found space, beat his marker, and threaded a precise pass into the path of Adams.
Adams went past two defenders before slotting the ball home.
Despite trailing by two goals, Lesotho refused to back down and pulled one back through Hlompho Kalake.
A Lesotho corner caused chaos in the Nigerian box as goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali misjudged the flight of the ball and punched it awkwardly into the air, allowing Kalake to capitalize and smash it into the net.
Lesotho pushed for an equalizer in the final minutes, but Nigeria held firm to claim a vital three points.
Elsewhere in Group C, Benin defeated Rwanda 1-0 to maintain their position at the top of the table, while South Africa were held to a goalless draw at home by ten-man Zimbabwe.
Also read: 2026 FIFA WCQ: Super Eagles In High Spirits Ahead of Crucial Lesotho Clash
With one matchday remaining, anyone can still go through in Group C:
Benin – 17 points
South Africa – 15 points
Nigeria – 14 points
For Nigeria to qualify, they must beat Benin by at least two goals and hope South Africa and Rwanda play out a draw.
