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Lesotho Win Offers Eagles a Glimpse of Hope as 2026 FIFA World Cup Race Tightens

Posted : 11 October 2025

The race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America will go right down to the wire after Nigeria defeated Lesotho 2–1 in Polokwane on Friday. Meanwhile, South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban, and Benin Republic edged Rwanda 1–0 in Kigali.

 

Despite the win, all three teams retained their positions in Group C, but the standings have tightened significantly. Nigeria, now third with 14 points, will host group leaders Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday, while South Africa face a must-win encounter against Rwanda’s Amavubi.

 

The Super Eagles started Friday’s encounter with intensity and attacking intent. Tolu Arokodare came close early on, seeing his header fly over the bar in the 12th minute, before the Crocodiles’ goalkeeper made crucial saves from crosses and headers by Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.

 

Nine minutes into the second half, Moses Simon’s strike was handled by a defender, and referee Mahamat Allaoui awarded a penalty. Captain William Ekong made no mistake, converting from the spot to give Nigeria a deserved lead.

 

Nigeria continued to press, with Alex Iwobi and Osimhen coming close multiple times, the latter hitting the upright twice. Eventually, Osimhen’s clever pass found debutant Jerome Akor Adams, who turned a defender and fired home Nigeria’s second goal in the 80th minute.

 

Lesotho’s Kalake pulled one back in the 83rd minute from a corner kick, but the Super Eagles held on for a crucial victory that keeps their qualification hopes alive.

 

A win against Benin Republic in Uyo, coupled with South Africa failing to beat Rwanda, would see Nigeria finish top of the group and book an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

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