By Ben Efe 10.10.2025
Nigeria’s chances of picking an automatic ticket for the 2026 World Cup suddenly look bright as the Super Eagles on Friday beat Lesotho 2-1 in their group C encounter played in Polokwane, South Africa.
Zimbabwe shocked South Africa at home playing a goalless draw in a game which saw both teams lose a man each, while in Kigali, Benin Republic Cheetahs grabbed a late 1-0 win against Rwanda to forge ahead in the group C parings.
It was a match Nigerian football officials had hoped Benin will slip to a defeat, but Gernot Rohr’s men seem more determined to get the result they want from Rwanda’s Amavubi.
The Super Eagles themselves were lucky to get all three points because for a moment they look forlorn as Lesotho pulled one back in the 83rd minute.
The Super Eagles in the first half had dominated the match largely due to Lesotho’s Crocodile’s choice to defend deep. The Super Eagles as usual lacked the creative ability to unlock defences and the depth and urgency in their attack all through the first half.
A handball by defender Motlomelo Mkwanazi in the 55th minute handed Nigeria a penalty goal, which was slotted in by Troost-Ekong.
Then after the Super Eagles struggled to sustain the pace of game, Victor Osimhen got missing at some point, while Ademola Lookman got booked in the game which turned physical.
Akor Adams who was making his debut for the Super Eagles replaced Tolu Arokodare and he quickly made an impact by scoring the second goal for the Super Eagles in the 80th minute. It calmed Nigerian nerves. But Homplo Kalale rattled the Super Eagles in the 83rd minute after Stanley Nwabali fumbled with a cross, to hand Lesotho a consolation.
However, the Super Eagles ran down the clock and are headed to Uyo to plot how to beat Benin Republic with a least three goals and hope that Rwanda stop South Africa from taking all points on Tuesday.
Benin top the group C chart with 17 points with a goal difference of 5, South Africa have 15 points, while the Super Eagles are on 14 points and a plus three goals difference.
Bruno Oyemachi stops Sera Motebang in Friday's World Cup tie.