Nigeria boosts World Cup qualification hopes with Lesotho win

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have boosted their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Lesotho 2-1 on Friday night.

The qualifiers played in Polokwane, South Africa, saw the Eagles pick up their third win in the series, after battling hard from the start.

Goals from debutant Akor Adams and a well-taken penalty from William Troost-Ekong sealed a hard-fought victory, as Hlompho Kalake scored a consolation goal for Lesoth in the 83rd minute.

Also Read: The Flying Eagles reached the last 16 of the W’Cup after Colombia drew

These results mean that the Super Eagles now have 14 points and are still in third place in Group C, only one point behind South Africa, who were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe.

In other group games, Benin Republic secured a morale-boosting 1-0 away win over Rwanda which saw them collect 17 points and maintain top spot.

The final qualifying matches will be played on Tuesday with the Super Eagles hosting Benin Republic, South Africa will welcome Rwanda and Lesotho and Zimbabwe will do battle.

If Nigeria beats Benin Republic and South Africa fails to beat Rwanda, the Super Eagles will automatically secure a World Cup ticket from group C.