Adams Shines as Nigeria Revive World Cup Hopes with Tense 2-1 Win Over Lesotho

Akor Adams announced his arrival on the international stage with a decisive debut goal as Nigeria battled past Lesotho 2-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive. The result, however, was marred by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s errors, which nearly cost the Super Eagles valuable points.

Captain William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Adams doubled the lead, but a late blunder from Nwabali allowed Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake to pull one back, setting up a tense finish.

The victory lifted Nigeria to 14 points in Group C, one behind South Africa, who were held 0-0 by Zimbabwe, while Benin Republic maintained top spot on 17 points after defeating Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali. With one match left, Nigeria’s qualification fate remains uncertain, depending on results elsewhere in Tuesday’s final round of fixtures.

The Super Eagles entered the contest under pressure and struggled to find rhythm in the first half despite dominating possession. Clear chances were scarce as Lesotho’s goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane comfortably dealt with efforts from Tolu Arokodare and Victor Osimhen, while Lookman’s dangerous crosses failed to find a finish.

Nigeria’s breakthrough came nine minutes into the second half when Lesotho defender Motlomelo Mkwanazi handled the ball in the box. Troost-Ekong confidently dispatched the penalty to hand the visitors the lead. Moments later, Iwobi and Osimhen came close to adding a second, with the latter’s curling effort striking the crossbar.

Adams, introduced on the hour mark, made an immediate impression. In the 80th minute, after Osimhen’s shot deflected off the upright, the Montpellier striker pounced on a loose ball, turned sharply and fired low past Moerane to double Nigeria’s advantage.

Lesotho refused to back down, and Nwabali’s poor clearance in the 83rd minute gifted Kalake a simple finish to halve the deficit. The Super Eagles survived a late scare when another Nwabali error almost led to an equaliser, but luck was on their side as the chance drifted wide.

Nigeria’s win keeps them in contention for automatic qualification, though their destiny is now partly dependent on South Africa’s performance against Rwanda. A win over Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday is non-negotiable if the Super Eagles are to avoid missing consecutive World Cups for the first time in their history.

Lesotho’s defeat ends their qualification campaign, while Nigeria’s focus turns to the crucial home fixture. The team will, however, be without Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who earned a one-match suspension after receiving his second yellow card of the campaign in Friday’s encounter.

With the stakes higher than ever, the Super Eagles will need discipline, precision and clinical finishing in Uyo as they chase a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.