Nigeria edged Lesotho 2‑1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday night, a result still not enough to guarantee a play‑off spot. They remain third in Group C, one point behind South Africa in second place.
The Super Eagles will host Benin on Tuesday they must win and hope Rwanda takes points off South Africa to have any chance of progressing.
Sevilla forward Akor Adams stole the show, coming off the bench to score the decisive goal with ten minutes remaining his senior debut strike. Known as a super‑sub, he has now scored in three consecutive matches for club and country whenever he’s been introduced from the bench.
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Coach Eric Chelle praised Adams’s impact but was eager to emphasise the team effort. He described the dressing‑room atmosphere after the match as calm and respectful, underpinned by strong comradeship.
Chelle also noted that many of the squad ply their trade in top European leagues and share a fierce ambition to reach the World Cup. He insisted that the most important thing was getting the win and expressed gratitude for the chance to fight for qualification in front of home fans.
Editorial
We believe this match against Lesotho reveals more than just a narrow victory; it shows the resilience and depth of character in this Super Eagles side. The fact that a substitute could deliver such a crucial goal underscores not only Adams’s readiness, but that every player is prepared to contribute. When a team draws strength from its full squad rather than just its starters, real growth happens.
We observe that the calm and respectful tone in the dressing room is just as critical as the goals scored on the pitch. That unity becomes the foundation of mental toughness. It is often the unseen moments shared glances, discreet encouragements, collective focus that spell the difference when pressure builds near the end of a tight qualifier.
We urge that focus not shift solely to individual heroics. Yes, Adams’s goal excited the crowd and the media, but the credit belongs to all those who held shape, tracked runs, and maintained resolve when Lesotho pushed back. It is in these moments that character is forged.
Looking ahead to the match versus Benin, the Super Eagles must maintain this blend of individual spirit and collective discipline. Victory is essential, but so is composure. We are confident that with the resolve seen after this Lesotho game, the team can rise to the occasion if everyone pulls in the same direction, as they showed they could in moments of pressure.
Did You Know?
- Akor Adams had never scored for the senior Super Eagles until his appearance off the bench in this match.
- This marks three straight matches (club + country) in which Adams has scored whenever introduced from the bench.
- Nigeria is just one point behind South Africa for second place in Group C ahead of the final round of World Cup qualifiers.
- Many of the squad members play in major European leagues, which the coach believes fuels their ambition to reach the World Cup.
- The dressing room atmosphere after the match was described by the coach as calm, imbued with comradery and mutual respect.
