Super Eagles Fight Back to Down Lesotho, Keep World Cup Bid Alive

Nigeria’s Super Eagles clawed their way back into World Cup contention on Thursday night, edging Lesotho 2–1 in a tense qualifier at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

It wasn’t a smooth ride for the three-time African champions, who had to dig deep after conceding first.

Lesotho shocked the home fans midway through the first half when a defensive mix-up allowed their striker to slot past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

But the Eagles roared back into the game before halftime, with Ademola Lookman calmly finishing off a slick team move to level the scores.

The momentum stayed with Nigeria after the break, and substitute Victor Boniface made it count—tapping in from close range after a clever assist from Samuel Chukwueze.

The win couldn’t have come at a better time for Coach Finidi George, who has been under pressure following the team’s shaky start to the qualifiers.

He praised the players’ response, describing the victory as a “statement of intent” for the matches ahead.

“I’m proud of the character they showed tonight. It wasn’t perfect, but the hunger and belief were there,” Finidi said after the match.

The result moves Nigeria up the Group C standings and restores hope of securing a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lesotho’s coach, meanwhile, hailed his side’s spirited fight but admitted that Nigeria’s quality proved decisive.

The Super Eagles will now turn their focus to Zimbabwe, knowing that consistency will be key if they are to make it to the Global stage.