- Safiu Kehinde
Super Eagles of Nigeria has secured a narrow 2-1 win against Lesotho to keep their World Cup Qualifying hope alive.
The Eric Chelle-led side travelled to the South African nation in their quest to secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket.
Super Eagles striker, Tolu Arokodare, came close to putting the away team into the lead in the 11th minute.
His header however went over the bar.
Galatasary forward, Victor Osimehn also missed another chance in the 14th minute.
The Super Eagles maintained their dominance but failed to break the deadlock at halftime.
They eventually broke through Lesotho’s watertight defence courtesy William Troost-Ekong’s penalty.
Second-half substitute debutant, Akor Adams, doubled Super Eagles lead in the 80th minute.
However, a poor clearance from Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, gifted Lesotho goalscoring opportunity which was converted to bring the game to a 2-1.
Nwabili would again nearly cost the Super Eagles the lead after a defensive blunder towards the end of the match was again capitalised on by Lesotho.
Fortunately, the home team’s effort went wide to seal Nigeria’s 2-1 win.
The victory now sees Nigeria sits 3rd on the Group C table with 14 points as South Africa secures the 2nd spot with 15th points following a goalless draw against Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Benin Republic’s stellar run again played off as they secured a narrow 1-0 win against Rwanda to top the table with 17 points.
They will however face Nigeria on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in what will largely determine the qualification of both teams.
Benin Republic however have the upper hand as a draw against Nigeria will secure their qualification.
Super Eagles on the other hand need a win with the outcome of South Africa’s final match against Rwanda also deciding the three-time African champion’s fate.