National Teams
Nwabali’s complacency, Adams’ dream debut & 3 other takeaways from Lesotho win
By Wale Mustapha
The Nigeria men’s national team secured a vital but hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lesotho in their Matchday Nine fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday night in Polokwane, South Africa.
While the win keeps Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive, the performance raised as many concerns as it did cheers.
Goals from William Troost-Ekong (penalty) and debutant Akor Adams were enough to secure all three points, but a late goal by Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake following a defensive mix-up threatened to spoil the night.
Here are five key takeaways from the nervy encounter:
1. Nwabali Needs Real Competition to Stay Sharp
Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has enjoyed a meteoric rise since his AFCON 2023 heroics, but Friday’s display suggested he may be slipping into overconfidence.
The Chippa United keeper was guilty of several errors—most notably a casual late-game mishandling that nearly gifted Lesotho an equaliser. Earlier, his poor positioning from a corner allowed Kalake to score Lesotho’s only goal.
With mistakes becoming more frequent, it’s clear that Nwabali needs serious competition in camp to push him and ensure he remains focused. There’s no room for complacency at this level—especially with World Cup qualification on the line.
2. Akor Adams Makes a Dream Debut
Akor Adams, handed his debut by coach Eric Chelle, wasted no time in making his presence felt. The Sevilla striker came on in the second half and scored what turned out to be the winner, combining well with Victor Osimhen and finishing with clinical composure.
With Tolu Arokodare underwhelming in the first half, Adams’ display gives Chelle a fresh attacking option. His strength, movement, and confidence may just earn him a starting berth in the final fixture against Benin Republic.
3. Iwobi’s Influence Grows with Every Game
In a night filled with tension, Alex Iwobi stood tall in midfield. The Fulham man orchestrated play, spread passes efficiently, helped in transitions, and was arguably Nigeria’s most consistent performer on the pitch.
Though he failed to get on the scoresheet—his best chance being a tame shot saved in the second half—Iwobi’s all-action display reminded everyone why he remains indispensable to the Super Eagles.
4. Time Running Out for Coach Chelle to Impress
The Super Eagles are winning, but not convincingly, and fingers are starting to point toward the dugout.
Eric Chelle, still relatively new to the job, hasn’t yet defined a clear tactical identity for the team. Friday’s game showed flashes of potential, but also long spells of disjointed play.
There’s growing concern over whether he’s the right man to lead Nigeria into the World Cup and beyond.
With a talented squad at his disposal, Chelle needs more than just results—he needs performances that inspire confidence.
5. Benin Republic Must Fall in Uyo
All eyes now turn to Tuesday, when Nigeria will face Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in their final group-stage match.
For Nigeria to guarantee a place in the next round, they must win—and potentially by more than a single goal—depending on outcomes elsewhere in Group C. A draw could be enough for Gernot Rohr’s Benin, while another loss would be disastrous for Chelle and his men.
The Super Eagles will need to be more clinical, more composed, and far more cohesive if they are to avoid an upset and keep their World Cup dream alive.
Bottom Line: Nigeria Got the Win—But Not the Conviction
Victory in Polokwane brought three points, but also exposed areas of weakness that can no longer be ignored. From goalkeeping concerns to coaching uncertainty, the Super Eagles still have plenty of work to do.
However, with talents like Adams stepping up and Iwobi pulling strings, there remains belief that this team can deliver—if they rise to the occasion in Uyo.
