Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign remains on life support after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Akor Adams marked his international debut with a crucial goal, lifting the Super Eagles to 14 points in Group C and narrowing the gap to just one point behind second-placed South Africa. However, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s costly errors almost derailed Nigeria’s qualification hopes in the penultimate fixture of the qualifying stage.
The match was crucial for both teams, but Nigeria’s performance fell short of expectations, despite dominating possession. In a frustrating first half, the Super Eagles lacked creativity and urgency, while Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane made several routine saves. The West Africans failed to capitalise on their superiority, with Tolu Arokodare’s header sailing above the crossbar in the 12th minute and Victor Osimhen’s efforts being saved by Moerane.
Nigeria was handed a lifeline early in the second half when Lesotho’s Motlomelo Mkwanazi handled the ball in the penalty area. Captain William Troost-Ekong converted the resulting penalty in the 54th minute, giving Nigeria the lead. Despite several near-misses, including Alex Iwobi going close twice and Osimhen’s shot rattling the woodwork, it was debutant Adams who sealed the deal.
In the 79th minute, Osimhen’s deflected shot found Adams, who showed poise and composure to score his first international goal. However, a blunder by Nwabali from a corner kick allowed Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake to pull one back three minutes later, making for a nervy finish. Another Nwabali error nearly allowed Lesotho an equaliser late on, but the Super Eagles held firm to secure the victory.
The result leaves Nigeria in third place in Group C, one point behind South Africa and three behind leaders Benin Republic, who edged Rwanda 1-0. Nigeria’s World Cup fate is still in their hands, but they need to defeat Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday while hoping South Africa fails to beat Rwanda in Mbombela.
If the Super Eagles win and improve their goal difference, they could still have a chance at automatic qualification, though their current deficit in goal difference works against them. If results fall in their favour, Nigeria could still make it to the World Cup, but only with a commanding performance on the final day.
Lesotho’s loss marks the end of their World Cup aspirations, despite a valiant effort. They had famously held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture last November but could not replicate that upset on Friday. Nigeria, meanwhile, faces a tense final qualifier with their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread.
Nigeria’s Path to World Cup Qualification: A Do-or-Die Final Day
With the qualification picture still unclear, Nigeria’s chances hinge on a decisive encounter against Group C leaders Benin Republic in Uyo. The Super Eagles must win to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup, but that is only part of the equation. A victory must be combined with a South Africa loss or draw to ensure automatic qualification. Additionally, Nigeria must improve their goal difference, which is currently worse than both South Africa’s and Benin Republic’s.
Despite the tension, Nigeria’s World Cup fate remains in their hands, with all to play for in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the qualifying campaign. But without star forward Ademola Lookman, who was suspended following a yellow card in the match against Lesotho, the Super Eagles face an uphill battle.
The final 90 minutes in Uyo could be the most important of Nigeria’s qualification journey, with the Super Eagles hoping for both a win and favorable results from the other Group C match. Should Nigeria succeed, it will mark another dramatic chapter in their bid to qualify for the World Cup. But if they fall short, it will be the first time in their history that they miss consecutive World Cups.
