Nigeria’s Super Eagles this Friday evening, October 9, 2025 revived their hopes of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overcoming hosts Lesotho 2-1.

With two games to finish in the group stages, Nigeria went into the must-win match sitting third on 11 points, three behind Benin Republic and South Africa, who both had 14 points.

Super Eagles’ head coach, Eric Chelle, unleashed a two-man attack in their starting line-up, with Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare in the forward line, supported by creative midfielders Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon.

Stanley Nwabali retained his place in goal, protected by a strong line of defence featuring Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Fredrick, Ekong, and Wilfred Ndidi, who was once again deployed in a deeper defensive role.

Ademola Lookman and Tochukwu Onyemaechi were also named in the starting XI to provide width and pace in transition as Nigeria look to dominate possession and break down the resilient Lesotho defence.

The first half ended barren but the Eagles went ahead on the restart when Skipper William Troost-Ekong found the mark from the penalty spot after a Lesotho player handled the ball in the vital area.

Debutant Akor Adam increased the tally in the 81st minute after an assist from Osimhen.

Two minutes later, the hosts reduced the tally when Hlompho Kalak lobbed over the defence wall after Nwabali parried the ball close to his feet following a corner kick.

Lesotho came close t equalizing following Nwabali’s blunders but the Eagles survived to claim victory. They remain third behind Benin, who now have 17 points and second-placed South Africa on 15 points. Everyone’s fate hangs till the final whistle on the final match day.