Nigeria still have a chance to make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after clinching a narrow 2-1 win over Lesotho in the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday 10 October, 2025.
The result means the Super Eagles are three (3) points trailing Group C toppers, Benin, who emerged victorious by a lone goal in Rwanda and are aiming to secure a place at the finals for the very first time.
After a first half without a goal, Al Kholood defender, Willian Troost-Ekong, opened scoring for Nigeria in the 55th minute from the penalty spot, and Akor Adams, who was making his debut for Nigeria, netted the second and winner in the 80th minute
Lesotho pulled one back in the 83rd minute through H. Kalake, but, the Super Eagles carted all three (3) points to keep their 2026 World Cup Qualification running.
Benin top Group C with 17 points, South Africa second 15 points, Nigeria 14 points, Rwanda 11 points, Lesotho 9 points, and Zimbabwe 5 points.
Only the group winners are assured of a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Nigeria will welcome Benin in the final round of games on Tuesday (16:00 GMT) and will leapfrog their West African rivals if they triumph by a two-goal margin.
Result
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification – Friday 10 October, 2025 |
| South Sudan 0-5 Senegal |
| Sudan 0-0 Mauritania |
| Togo 0-1 DR Congo |
| Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria |
| Rwanda 0-1 Benin |
| Zimbabwe 0-0 South Africa |
| Gambia 3-4 Gabon |
| Seychelles 0-7 Ivory Coast |
| Sao Tome and Principe 0-6 Tunisia |
Photo: Akor Adams celebrates after scoring the winner for Nigeria on his debut for the Super Eagles against Lesotho | X/Super Eagles
