Nigeria’s Super Eagles revived their World Cup qualification hopes on Friday after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane.
The win lifted Nigeria to third place in Group C with 14 points, behind South Africa on 15 and Benin Republic on 17.
Benin maintained their lead after a 1–0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, while South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban.
Nigeria will host Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday in a crucial final group match that could determine their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Super Eagles started brightly, with Tolu Arokodare and Victor Osimhen missing early chances before captain William Ekong broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second half from the penalty spot after a Lesotho defender handled the ball.
Nigeria continued to dominate as Osimhen and Alex Iwobi both came close to extending the lead.
The second goal eventually arrived in the 80th minute when debutant Jerome Akor Adams combined neatly with Osimhen before slotting past the goalkeeper.
Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake pulled one back from a corner in the 83rd minute, but Nigeria held firm to secure all three points and keep their qualification campaign alive.
A win against Benin on Tuesday, coupled with a South African slip-up, would guarantee Nigeria’s place at the 2026 World Cup.
