Nigeria’s Super Eagles were made to sweat but eventually sealed a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday evening at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

Captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams got on the scoresheet to give Nigeria a two-goal cushion before Hlompho Kalake’s late strike set up a tense finish. Despite the late scare, the Super Eagles held firm to claim three vital points on the road.

Star striker Victor Osimhen made a return to the starting lineup after missing last month’s clash against Rwanda through injury. He led the attack alongside Tolu Arokodare and Ademola Lookman, while young Benjamin Fredrick filled in at right-back for the injured Ola Aina.

Nigeria started brightly, with Lookman and Alex Iwobi both coming close to opening the scoring in the early stages. Iwobi’s long-range effort was comfortably gathered by the Lesotho goalkeeper, and Arokodare headed over just before halftime as the teams went into the break goalless.

The breakthrough came ten minutes after the restart when captain Troost-Ekong converted from the penalty spot following a handball in the box. The Super Eagles continued to pile on the pressure, and their persistence paid off when Akor Adams, who replaced Arokodare, weaved past his marker and slotted home Nigeria’s second with ten minutes left.

Lesotho, however, refused to go quietly as Kalake pulled one back three minutes later to make it a nervy ending. Nigeria held their ground through the final moments to secure the win.

Elsewhere in Group C, Benin Republic earned a 1–0 away win over Rwanda in Kigali, while South Africa was held to a goalless draw by ten-man Zimbabwe in Durban.

The Super Eagles will host Benin Republic next Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, as the battle for the group’s sole automatic World Cup ticket intensifies.