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Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying ambitions alive with a resilient 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday evening.
The win came at a crucial juncture in Group A, where Nigeria entered the game in third place with 11 points, three behind South Africa and leaders Benin Republic. With qualification hanging in the balance, a win was the only acceptable outcome for Eric Chelle’s men.
The first half saw Nigeria dominate possession and territorial advantage, but despite creating several scoring opportunities, the Eagles failed to convert any chances. Lesotho’s disciplined defensive setup frustrated the Nigerians, who were unable to find a breakthrough before the halftime whistle.
The deadlock was finally broken in the second half when Nigeria was awarded a penalty. Captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up confidently, dispatching the spot-kick with composure to give the Eagles the lead. The goal lifted Nigeria’s spirits and sparked a more assertive display in attack.
Debutant Akor Adams then doubled the lead with a sublime strike, marking his first goal for the national team in an important qualifier. Adams’ goal showcased not only his technical ability but also his calmness under pressure, earning him praise from both fans and teammates.
Lesotho, refusing to be defeated easily, pulled one back following a defensive lapse from Nigeria. The goal injected tension into the final stages of the match, but the Eagles held firm to secure the crucial three points.
The victory ensured that Nigeria remained in contention for a top-two finish, which is necessary for direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Eric Chelle lauded his players’ determination and focus, particularly in overcoming a challenging first half. “We knew the importance of this match, and the players responded when it mattered most,” Chelle said. “Credit to Lesotho they made it difficult, but our team showed resilience.”
Looking ahead, Nigeria will conclude their qualifying campaign against Benin Republic next Tuesday in Uyo. That fixture is set to be decisive, as a win could propel the Super Eagles into the lead of the group and virtually secure their spot at the global tournament.
Fans are already anticipating a high-stakes encounter, with both teams aware of the implications of the result.
With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Nigeria appears poised to make a strong push for qualification.
The victory over Lesotho demonstrates the Eagles’ ability to respond under pressure, maintain composure, and capitalize on key moments qualities that will be crucial in the remaining match.
As the nation’s eyes turn to Uyo, optimism is high that the Super Eagles can continue their march toward Qatar 2026, keeping the dreams of millions of Nigerian football fans alive.
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