Super Eagles beat Lesotho 2-1 – Troost‑Ekong pen, Adams debut winner

When William Troost‑Ekong, captain of the Nigeria national football team rifled home a 47th‑minute penalty at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru, the Super Eagles finally stopped a nervous wobble and edged Lesotho 2‑1 in a make‑or‑break World Cup qualifier. The match, played on Friday October 10, 2025, was the second leg of Group C in the CAF African qualification round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A debut‑goal from forward Akor Adams three minutes later gave Nigeria the cushion they needed, even as Lesotho scraped a late consolation.

Match recap and key moments

The game kicked off under a clear sky, and both sides sensed the stakes. Nigeria pressed high, but Lesotho’s back line, anchored by defender Mokhotlong Mokhali, stayed compact. In the 21st minute Moses Simon (who later earned a crucial assist) sent a low cross that clipped Mokhali’s leg, ricocheted off his hand and spun toward the penalty spot. The referee pointed to the spot, and Troost‑Ekong coolly slotted the spot‑kick – his eighth goal in his 80th cap.

Just five minutes later, Nigeria doubled the lead. Adams, who joined Sevilla FC last summer for €12.5 million, burst onto the right wing, shook off a defender, cut inside and curled a low‑driven shot past Lesotho keeper Mirani Seuane. The commentator’s voice cracked with excitement: “The striker – low and hard. Goal!” By halftime the score stood 2‑0.Lesotho fought back in the 79th minute. A swift counter‑attack saw striker Samuel Chuku find the net, sparking a wave of applause from the home crowd. Nigeria’s keeper Maduka Okoye made three vital saves after that, keeping the lead intact until the final whistle at roughly 16:30 UTC.

Player reactions and tactical insights

In the post‑match press conference, a visibly relieved Troost‑Ekong said, “This was a difficult match against a determined Lesotho side, but we showed character to get the win. The penalty settled our nerves at the start of the second half, and I’m delighted to contribute in my 80th cap.”

Adams, still buzzing from his debut, added, “Scoring on my first appearance for the Super Eagles is a dream come true. I thank Coach José Peseiro for trusting me, and I dedicate this goal to every Nigerian fan who’s stood by me.”

Simon reflected on the build‑up, “We knew it would be tough away from home, but we executed our game plan. The handball was unlucky for them, but we took our chances.” Okoye, meanwhile, praised the defensive discipline, “Every point matters in these qualifiers. After Lesotho scored we stayed focused and kept our shape.”

Peseiro, who took over the job in early 2024, admitted the margins are razor‑thin: “We needed this win to stay alive. Now we have to be flawless in the next two matches and hope for favorable results elsewhere. The margin for error is zero.”

Group C standings and qualification scenarios

After the victory, Nigeria sits third in Group C with 10 points from six matches, according to the latest table released by the Confederation of African Football on October 9. Leaders Benin Republic hold 13 points, while South Africa sit second with 11.

• Benin Republic – 13 points (4 matches left)
• South Africa – 11 points (4 matches left)
• Nigeria – 10 points (2 matches left)
• Lesotho – 4 points (4 matches left)

Statistical models from Lagos‑based analytics firm MatchMetrics Nigeria peg Nigeria’s odds of qualifying at just 28.7 %. The path is clear: win against South Africa on October 18 in Abuja, then beat Benin Republic on October 22 in Cotonou, while hoping Benin drops at least four points against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

What the win means for Nigeria

Beyond the numbers, the result restores a sliver of belief in a squad that has been under pressure since a shaky start to the campaign. Fans in Lagos, Abuja and even the diaspora were glued to the live stream, chanting “Super Eagles!” as the penalty went in. The victory also gave coach Peseiro a tactical boost – the 4‑3‑3 shape with Adams nudging in from the wing proved lethal against a compact Lesotho defense.

Former captain Joseph Yobo warned, “Nigeria must be perfect in the last two games, and the whole continent will be watching. A single slip and the dream ends.” The sentiment mirrors a broader narrative: African football is tightening, and the traditional powerhouses can’t afford complacency.

Looking ahead: upcoming fixtures

Both remaining games are home‑away affairs. Nigeria will host South Africa at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on October 18, 2025, with kickoff at 18:00 WAT. The encounter promises fireworks – South Africa’s attacking trio have scored 15 goals in the group so far.

Four days later, the Eagles travel to the Stade de l’Amitié in Cotonou for a decisive showdown with Benin Republic. Peseiro hinted at a more pragmatic approach, “We’ll likely sit deeper, absorb pressure and strike on the counter.” The result will decide whether Nigeria joins Benin in the inter‑continental playoff or watches the tournament from the sidelines.

In short, the Maseru win was a lifeline, but the next two matches will be a test of nerve, strategy and perhaps a little luck.