2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Edge Lesotho 2-1 to Keep World Cup Dreams Alive

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2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Edge Lesotho 2-1 to Keep World Cup Dreams Alive

Rewritten News:
The Super Eagles of Nigeria battled to a narrow 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday evening, keeping their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive after a tense encounter in Polokwane.

It was far from a polished performance from Eric Chelle’s men, but goals from captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams proved decisive despite a late scare from the hosts.

Nigeria started on the front foot, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman testing the resilient Lesotho defence early in the game. The Super Eagles dominated possession but struggled to break through the well-organized Crocodiles backline. Arokodare and Alex Iwobi came close to opening the scoring in the first half but couldn’t convert their chances.

The breakthrough arrived in the 54th minute when Mkwanazi handled the ball inside the box. With Osimhen stepping aside, Troost-Ekong confidently converted the penalty to give Nigeria a deserved lead.

Substitute Akor Adams made it 2-0 in the 80th minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack started by Osimhen. The debutant showed great composure to beat his marker and slot home his first international goal.

However, Lesotho refused to go quietly. Just three minutes later, Kalake pounced on a goalkeeping error by Stanley Nwabali, who failed to claim a corner, allowing the midfielder to flick the ball into the net and cut the deficit to 2-1.

The closing stages were frantic, with Lesotho pushing for a dramatic equaliser and coming close in stoppage time after another defensive lapse.

Nigeria managed to hold firm to secure a crucial three points, keeping their qualification campaign on track ahead of their decisive final Group C match.

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