By Frank Ulom
LAGOS (CONVERSEER) – Stanley Nwabali also cost Nigeria two points in a nervy ending of the clash between the Crocodiles of Lesotho and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Nigeria went into the match on Friday hoping a win would keep their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying dreams alive.
The Super Eagles started on the front foot at the Peter Mokaba Stadium but barely found their rhythm until the end of the first half when Tolu Arokodare headed Ademola Lookman’s corner narrowly wide in the 45+1 minutes.
The second half started on the same foot with Nigeria threatening, and the goal came when a Lesotho defender was controversially adjudged to have handled the ball in his box. The referee awarded a penalty and William Troost-Ekong slotted home for the Eagles in the 55th minute.
Another penalty shout came a few minutes later when Wilfred Ndidi was potentially fouled in the opposition penalty area, but the referee waved play on.
Nigeria were controlling the proceedings and were rewarded when substitute Akor Adams hit a low shot into the net after receiving a cut back from Victor Osimhen in the 80th minute.
The Super Eagles started feeling too comfortable and gave away a goal in the 83rd minute when Hlompho Kalake capitalised on Nwabali’s error to give Lesotho a lifeline.
The host almost stole away a draw in the 90+5 minutes, following another error from Nwabali, only this time the Lesotho player scooped his effort narrowly wide.
The game ended with Nigeria winning 2-1 against Lesotho.
In the other games, Benin Republic won 1-0 against Rwanda, while South Africa were held by Zimbabwe, who played most of the game with 10 men.
With only one match remaining, any team that wants to qualify automatically must win the last games.
Below is the current standing after match day 9
1. Benin Republic – 17 points (5 goals)
2. South Africa – 15 points (3 goals)
3. Nigeria – 14 points (3 goals)
4. Rwanda – 11 points (-1 goals)
5. Lesotho – 9 points (-4 goals)
6. Zimbabwe – 5 points (-6 goals)
