By SCM Sports Writer I October 10, 2025
LAGOS, Nigeria – The race for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in North America is headed for a heart-stopping conclusion next Tuesday.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles scratched and clawed their way to a vital 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday, ensuring that the fate of Group C will be decided in a dramatic final matchday.
The win moved third-placed Nigeria to 14 points, keeping them hot on the heels of table-topping Benin Republic, who themselves managed a crucial 1-0 away win against Rwanda in Kigali. Meanwhile, second-placed South Africa lost ground after being held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban, also leaving them on 14 points, though their final match remains a significant hurdle.
Nigeria began their must-win clash against the Crocodiles with urgency, dominating the attack but struggling to convert their chances against a resolute Lesotho defense and a sharp goalkeeper.
Forward Tolu Arokodare had multiple opportunities in the first half, seeing a 12th-minute header sail high and another effort punched away by the keeper in the 33rd minute. Captain Victor Osimhen, the 2023 Africa Player of the Year, also saw a header saved as the first half ended in a frustrating deadlock.
The breakthrough finally came nine minutes into the second half.
A Lesotho defender was penalized for a handball, and Super Eagles skipper William Ekong stepped up to calmly convert the ensuing penalty, giving Nigeria the crucial lead. The goal opened up the game, and Nigeria pressed for the cushion.
Alex Iwobi tested the keeper with successive shots, and Osimhen was agonizingly denied twice, first by a chip that struck the upright in the 62nd minute, and later by a deflected shot that hit the woodwork again in the 79th minute.
Osimhen’s persistent pressure finally paid dividends just 10 minutes from time. The Napoli star turned provider, finding debutant Jerome Akor Adams with a precise pass. Adams made no mistake, turning a defender before firing into the net to make it 2-0.
A late scare arrived in the 83rd minute when Lesotho’s Kalake pulled a goal back from a corner kick, but the Super Eagles held on to secure the essential three points.
The complex final standings mean Nigeria has everything to play for. They will host the surprising group leaders, the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, in a monumental clash in Uyo next Tuesday.
A Nigerian win against Benin, coupled with any result other than a South Africa victory against Rwanda’s Amavubi, would see the Super Eagles top Group C and book their automatic ticket to the USA, Canada, and Mexico World Cup.
The stage is set for an epic final matchday. For the Super Eagles and their fans, the road to North America runs directly through Uyo.
