Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday has kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive, but qualification remains finely balanced as the Group C race heads into the final round of fixtures.
The Super Eagles faced a stern challenge in Maseru, with captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams scoring the goals that secured three vital points. The win, though narrow, reignites belief among fans and players alike.
Despite the triumph, Nigeria remains in third place in the group standings, trailing Benin Republic by three points and South Africa by one. The competition for automatic qualification is intensifying, with goal difference expected to play a key role.
For the Super Eagles to qualify directly, they must defeat Benin Republic by a margin of at least two goals in their final group match scheduled for Tuesday, 14 October. This decisive clash could determine whether Nigeria returns to football’s biggest stage after missing out on Qatar 2022.
Additionally, Nigeria will need some external help to guarantee their spot. South Africa, currently ahead of Nigeria, must either lose or draw against Rwanda in their final fixture. A South African win would severely jeopardize Nigeria’s automatic qualification prospects.
Eric Chelle, Nigeria’s head coach, acknowledged the pressure ahead of the concluding fixtures. “We are aware of the stakes,” Chelle said. “Every goal and every point will matter. The team is focused and ready for the challenge against Benin.”
Fans have expressed cautious optimism following Friday’s performance, praising the resilience shown by the team. Akor Adams, making his debut, was particularly lauded for his composure in front of goal.
With only the group winners guaranteed a place in the 2026 World Cup, and the four best runners-up advancing to the playoffs, Nigeria must combine precision with a little luck to secure qualification.
As the Super Eagles prepare for the decisive showdown against Benin Republic, the football community watches closely. Every goal, point, and result across Group C now carries enormous significance in determining the African representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The final round promises to be dramatic, with Nigeria’s fate resting on both their own performance and the outcomes elsewhere. The Super Eagles’ journey to North America is far from over, but Friday’s win has certainly kept the dream alive.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
