Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Lesotho in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.
The Super Eagles were the dominant team throughout the match, but they were wasteful in front of goal and failed to convert their chances.
Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest missed a golden opportunity for Nigeria, failing to capitalize on a clear chance in front of the net.
Lesotho’s Crocodiles, despite being the underdogs, held their own against the Super Eagles, frustrating the home team with a resolute defensive performance.
Lesotho ranks 153rd in the world. That’s 113 points less than Nigeria – took the lead in the 56th minute against the run of play in the Group C qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
But, 11 minutes later, defender Semi Ajayi rose to the occasion, powering a header past the Crocodiles’ post to restore parity for the hosts.
The Super Eagles had the majority of the possession in the Group C game, but a combination of wasteful finishing and defensive heroics from the South Africans made the job difficult for Nigeria.
Coach Jose Peseiro’s men pressed their opponents and had a chance to take the lead in the 36th minute. However, Nottingham Forests’ Taiwo Awoniyi squandered a brilliant cutback from Victor Boniface, kicking the ball inches wide of the goal.
Ademola Lookman’s shot from Atalanta was tipped over the bar by the Lesotho goalkeeper eight minutes later, while Boniface’s downward header on the stroke of halftime posed no problems for the goalkeeper.
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Despite Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ relentless attacks, Lesotho’s Crocodiles valiantly defended their goal, securing a historic draw against one of Africa’s most formidable football teams.
The Super Eagles, on the other hand, have a chance to get their campaign back on track when they face Zimbabwe in their second match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Sunday.
Earlier, Zimbabwe and Rwanda drew goalless in Group C of the qualification campaign, while South Africa will face Benin Republic in the same group on Saturday.
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