Nigeria 1-1 Lesotho: Crocodiles hold Super Eagles in 2026 World Cup qualifiers opener

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s senior men’s national team commenced their race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Lesotho at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday.

Nigeria’s attacking line of stand-in captain Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Victor Boniface threw stones and sticks at the opposition goal area but an inspired goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane, also the team captain, and his rearguard foiled all the attempts and frustrated spectators at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

The three-time African champions almost conceded a goal in the first half when Tsepang Seeali fired point-blank at Francis Uzoho after a poor touch in the box by Alex Iwobi, playing uncharacteristically deep at the back, released the forward who saw his effort parried by Uzoho.

With string of chances not converted, the Crocodiles broke the deadlock in the 56th minute.

A corner kick by Tshwarelo Bereng was headed into the back of the net by Motlomelo Mkwanazi.

Super Eagles surged in search of the leveler which came 11 minutes later.

From Kelechi Iheanacho’s corner kick, Semi Ajayi scored the equaliser.

The West African side failed to convert the winner before the end of the game.

Three teams from the group (Lesotho, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe) have a point each ahead of South Africa’s game with Benin Republic.

Nigeria will next face Zimbabwe away from home at the Huye Stadium on Sunday, November 19, 2023.