Nigeria's Super Eagles significantly advanced their prospects of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, securing a vital 2-1 victory over Lesotho. The crucial World Cup qualification match took place in Polokwane, South Africa, and saw the Super Eagles battle intensely against a resilient Lesotho side.

The first half of the encounter remained goalless, with both teams unable to convert their scoring opportunities. However, the breakthrough for Nigeria arrived in the 55th minute when captain William Troost-Ekong successfully converted a penalty kick. The penalty was awarded after a foul committed by a Lesotho defender inside the box, putting the Super Eagles ahead 1-0.

Nigeria further solidified their lead in the 80th minute through substitute Akor Adams, who netted a remarkable goal to make it 2-0. This strike appeared to place the game beyond Lesotho's reach. Despite the two-goal deficit, Lesotho demonstrated strong resilience, with H. Kalake reducing the deficit in the 83rd minute, sparking hopes of a late comeback. Nevertheless, Nigeria maintained their composure in the closing minutes to secure the much-needed victory.

The victory was particularly momentous for Akor Adams, the Super Eagles and Sevilla striker, who capped off an extraordinary week with his debut goal for the national team, scoring just 17 minutes after coming on. This milestone followed a series of career highlights for the 25-year-old forward, including goals for Sevilla against Rayo Vallecano and a significant strike in Sevilla's 4-1 triumph over Barcelona. His goal against Hansi Flick's Barcelona side made him the first Nigerian to score against the Catalan giants with an assist from another Nigerian, Chidera Ejuke. Adams now joins an elite group of Super Eagles stars, including Julius Aghahowa, Obafemi Martins, Ekigho Ehiosun, Stephen Ayo Makinwa, and Femi Opabunmi, who have all scored on their senior national team debut.

Following the match, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong reflected on the team's performance. Despite the win, Ekong expressed frustration with Nigeria's first-half display, acknowledging the immense pressure the team has faced since the start of the qualifiers. He also commended Lesotho for their "defiant display," stating, "I want to start by saying I think Lesotho played a great game. You know, it wasn't easy to come here. We knew that from the start, and I can understand the disappointment and the frustration because they put up a very good fight."

With this crucial win, Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 14 points. They are three points behind group leaders Benin Republic, who reached 17 points after a 1-0 away win against Rwanda. Second-placed South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe, impacting their standing. Nigeria's qualification hopes now hinge on their final qualifying match against Benin Republic on Tuesday. A victory in that match may be sufficient to secure a World Cup ticket, provided South Africa fails to win their away game against Rwanda on the final day of qualifiers.