Super Eagles revive World Cup hopes with 2‑1 win over Lesotho

The Super Eagles clawed back a lifeline on Oct. 10, 2025, beating Lesotho national team 2‑1 in a fever‑biting 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Maseru. Coach Eric Chelle’s side needed three points to stay alive, and they delivered just before the final whistle, leaving the group table teetering on a knife‑edge.

• Match date & time: Oct. 10, 2025, 17:23 UTC
• Venue: Lesotho (Maseru Stadium)
• Final score: Lesotho 1‑2 Nigeria
• Group C standing after the game: Benin 14 pts, South Africa 14 pts (minus 3‑point penalty), Nigeria 14 pts
• What Nigeria needs next: win the final group match and hope one rival slips

Why this match mattered

Group C has turned into a three‑horse race. Going into the penultimate round, Nigeria sat third with 11 points, while Benin and South Africa each held 14. The twist? FIFA slapped South Africa with a three‑point deduction for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the campaign, leaving the door ajar for Nigeria if they could snatch a win and hope the others falter.

Historically, the Super Eagles have never missed a World Cup since 1994, but the qualification format this time is ruthless: only the group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the four best runners‑up heading into a perilous play‑off. That makes every point in Group C feel like a championship.

Match narrative: goals, drama and a near‑miss

The first half was a tactical stalemate. Both sides pressed, but the scoreboard stayed at 0‑0. At the 18‑minute mark, Mochaki Sekoane, Lesotho’s keeper, produced a spectacular one‑handed save that momentarily tipped the scales in his favor.

Breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Victor Osimhen latched onto a low cross, slipped past the defender and slotted home. "We knew we had to take our chances early," Osimhen said in the post‑match interview.

Lesotho equalised three minutes later via a header from their captain, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The tension rose in the dying minutes; at 90+5, a defensive mix‑up on a corner left the ball in the Lesotho box, but the striker’s header flew over the bar, sparking collective sighs across the stadium.

Just when the drama seemed over, Nigeria struck again in the 92nd minute. Alex Iwobi broke through on the right, delivered a precise cut‑back, and the ball found Osimhen again, who tapped in the winner. "That last goal was pure relief," Iwobi laughed, wiping sweat from his brow.

Key performances and expert takes

Osimhen finished with two goals and an assist, earning the man‑of‑the‑match badge. His movement reminded many of his 2022 Champions League nights, where his pace and clinical finishing often turned games on their head.

Mid‑fielder Calvin Bassey (not to be confused with the mis‑named “Calvin Massie” in some reports) anchored the midfield, breaking up attacks and distributing the ball with precision. Bassey’s calmness under pressure was highlighted by former Nigeria captain, John Obi Mikel: “Nigeria’s spine is solid; Bassey’s work often goes unnoticed but it’s the glue that holds the team together.”

Lesotho’s Mochaki Sekoane earned praise despite the loss. His saves kept the game within reach, and as one local commentator noted, “Sekoane’s heroics gave Lesotho a fighting chance against a far‑more experienced opponent.”

Reactions from the bench and the boardroom

Chelle was pragmatic in his post‑match press conference. “We did what we had to do. The next game is a must‑win, and we’ll need a slip from either Benin or South Africa,” he said, eyes fixed on the upcoming fixture against Cameroon.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) released a statement lauding the team’s resilience: “The victory reflects the dedication of our players and staff. We are now on equal footing with the group leaders, and the title race is still open.”

In contrast, Lesotho’s coach, Lehlohonolo Seoka, emphasized growth. “We showed we can compete with Africa’s elite. A win in the next two matches would keep our World Cup dream alive,” he told local media.

What’s next for Nigeria?

With the final round looming, Nigeria faces Cameroon on Nov. 14, 2025, in Lagos. A win would lift them to 17 points, matching Benin and South Africa (assuming the latter’s penalty remains). Goal difference could become the deciding factor, making every goal in the upcoming clash critical.

If Nigeria slips and both rivals hold steady, the Super Eagles will be forced into the play‑offs – a gauntlet that has trip‑up many African sides in recent cycles. Football analyst Samuel Olatunji warned, “The play‑offs are a lottery. Nigeria should aim for the top spot now rather than gamble later.”

Meanwhile, Benin’s coach, Michel Dogo, hinted at a conservative approach against South Africa, hoping the three‑point dock sticks. The next 48 hours promise a roller‑coaster for the three nations still in contention.

Historical perspective: Nigeria’s World Cup journeys

Since their debut in 1994, the Super Eagles have qualified for every World Cup, often topping African qualifiers. The 2026 format, with its expanded host nations – United States, Canada and Mexico – adds a layer of complexity, creating more pathways but also tougher competition for the limited slots.

The last time Nigeria missed out was in 1990, before the nation’s football renaissance. That era taught the federation the importance of depth and strategic planning, lessons that are evident in Chelle’s squad rotation and youth integration this campaign.