Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Lesotho 2–1 on Friday in Polokwane, keeping their hopes alive for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The victory places Nigeria third in Group C with 14 points.

Benin Republic, who secured a 1–0 win over Rwanda in Kigali, remain top of the group with 17 points, while South Africa are second with 15 points.

Meanwhile, South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban.

Nigeria will host Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday in a decisive final group match. South Africa will also face Rwanda on the same day.

Nigeria started Friday’s match with urgency. Tolu Arokodare’s header went over the bar in the 12th minute.

He was denied again in the 33rd minute by Lesotho’s goalkeeper.

Victor Osimhen’s header was saved in the 36th minute, while Arokodare failed to convert a chance in added time of the first half.

Nigeria took the lead nine minutes after the break when Captain William Ekong scored from the spot after a Lesotho defender handled the ball, and referee Mahamat Allaoui of Chad awarded a penalty.

The Eagles pressed further as Alex Iwobi had two quick chances in the 57th and 59th minutes, while Osimhen’s chip hit the upright in the 62nd minute.

In the 79th minute, Osimhen’s deflected effort also struck the woodwork. But in the 80th minute, he set up debutant Jerome Akor Adams.

Adams beat a defender and fired home for Nigeria’s second goal.

Lesotho pulled one back in the 83rd minute through Hlompho Kalake from a corner kick.

Nigeria held on to secure the win and three points.

A victory against Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday, combined with a slip-up by South Africa, would secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

(NAN)