Nigeria defeated Lesotho 2-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchday nine encounter on October 10, 2025.
Nigeria knew that only a victory against Lesotho would keep them in the hunt, and captain William Troost-Ekong broke the deadlock in neutral Polokwane from the penalty spot early in the second half after Moses Simon’s shot hit the hand of Motlomelo Mkwanazi.
Akor Adams doubled the advantage in the 80th minute, seemingly putting Nigeria in control. Lesotho responded in the 83rd minute with a goal from Kalake, taking advantage of the defensive error during a corner kick, a mistake on the part of the Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, but the Eagles held firm to secure the crucial three points.
Here’s a summary of the match:
Event Minute(s) Details
Nigeria Goal 55′ William Troost-Ekong converted a penalty after a handball by a Lesotho defender.
Nigeria Goal 80′ Akor Adams scored, doubling Nigeria’s advantage, according to Vanguard News.
Lesotho Goal 83′ Kalake scored for Lesotho, reducing Nigeria’s lead after a defensive error.
This win kept Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
The Super Eagles remains in contention for the group winner position, which guarantees automatic qualification.
Nigeria will face Benin Republic in their final group match.
