Super Eagles Keep 2026 FIFA World Cup Hopes Alive

Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, Super Eagles, have kept their chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they edged Lesotho 2-1 at New Peter Mokaba Stadium, South Africa, on Friday.

Super Eagles, who needed a win to keep their hopes alive, started up strong, but couldn’t break the Crocodiles’ defence in the first half as they cancelled out all efforts from the visitors.

In the second half, Coach Eric Chelle’s side continued their high-pressure movement. This paid off when they earned a penalty, and Captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up to slot home the opener in the 55th minute.

Pressure was high for the host, and after various chances from the three-time African champions, substitute Akor Adams, on his debut, doubled the advantage for Nigeria as he finished up a pass from Victor Osimhen in the 80th minute.

Lesotho brought their hope back just three minutes later when Hlompho Kalake found the back of the net when Stanley Nwabali could not handle a corner kick.

The victory means Nigeria remains 3rd in group C and will need to win the table toppers Benin Republic whom they will lock horns with on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio stadium, with a 2-goal advantage to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and hope that second place South Africa either loses or draws their match against Rwanda to stand a chance to qualify.

Super Eagles will, however, be without Atlanta’s forward Ademola Lookman, who got a second yellow card. But maybe likely joined by Russia-based former junior international Olakunle Olusegun, who was not issued an entry visa into South Africa.