)
153-ranked Lesotho forced the Super Eagles to a share of the spoils in the FIFA WCQ, with Semi Ajayi the hero for Nigeria.
West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi was the hero as Nigeria kicked off the 2026 FIFA WCQ on a shaky note.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles came from behind to salvage a point after an uninspiring 1-1 draw against Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Thursday.
)
18:55 - 16.11.2023
Super Eagles 1-1 Lesotho: Nigerians ready to miss World Cup again in 2026
'Let's forget about the 2026 World Cup'—Nigerian football fans do not believe this Super Eagles team will win the AFCON or qualify for the World Cup after struggling against Lesotho.
)
16:27 - 16.11.2023
Nigeria 1-1 Lesotho: As it happened
The Super Eagles of Nigeria drew 1-1 against Lesotho in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Uyo. Follow the action as it happened.
Semi saves Nigeria Super Eagles
In what was the first game of the World Cup qualifier, Nigeria was forced to a share of the spoils at home.
The hosts put up a dominant performance but lacked the requisite cutting edge in the final third to make it count.
)
Nigeria’s Super Eagles created the best chances in the game but were guilty of being wasteful with Taiwo Awoniyi missing the best chance in the first half.
Jamilu Collins and Kelechi Iheanaho all came close but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the second half to take a shock lead.
Lesotho shock Nigeria
Eight minutes after the restart and against the run of play, Lesotho found themselves in front.
In what was their first corner of the game, the Crocodiles made it count when Motlomelo Mkwanazi towered above everyone else to head the away side in front.
The Crocodiles celebrated like they had won, with their bench running into the pitch and across to rejoice with the goalscorer.
Super Eagles fightback
Nigeria responded positively to going behind and piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser.
Coach Jose Peseiro subbed on Moses Simon and Terem Moffi for Ademola Lookman and Taiwo Awoniyi.
)
Nine minutes after going behind, Moses, who had injected more bite to the attack won a corner which Ajayi eventually headed in.
The header by the West Brom defender was powerful and saved Nigeria from a disastrous start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Related content
)
15:14 - 16.11.2023
Nigeria vs Lesotho: Alex Iwobi turns journalist, 'interviews' Aribo, Lookman and newcomer Tella in hilarious video
Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi discovered a new talent during their camping ahead of their Nigeria World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho.
)
14:19 - 16.11.2023
Nigeria vs Lesotho: Super Eagles coach Peseiro goes full-blown Mourinho mode to defend Uzoho again
Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has deployed a trick from his compatriot Jose Mourinho to defend Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
)
13:33 - 16.11.2023
Nigeria vs Lesotho: High stakes for Super Eagles as Jose Peseiro emphasises unparallel pressure to win
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro believes the expectations and pressure to win games in Nigeria are second to none in Africa.
)
13:00 - 16.11.2023
Nigeria vs Lesotho: Kenneth Omeruo blames media, Nigerians for Uzoho's woes
Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo reacted to the criticism faced by Nigerian duo Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye.
)
07:30 - 16.11.2023
Super Eagles newcomer Nathan Tella reacts as Boniface introduces him to amala
Nigeria Super Eagles' latest star Nathan Tella has had his first taste of Nigerian food courtesy of clubmate Victor Boniface.
)
22:36 - 15.11.2023
Super Eagles hopeful Akor Adams leads in-form Harry Kane and Mbappe in European Golden Boot race
Nigeria Super Eagles-eligible forward Akor Adams is in a tight battle with Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland for the European Golden Boot.
)
19:24 - 15.11.2023
Uzoho: Should Peseiro keep faith in the struggling Super Eagles goalkeeper?
Jose Peseiro was not wrong to make Francis Uzoho his first-choice goalkeeper. However, persisting with the error-prone shot-stopper is bordering on blind faith.
)
17:55 - 15.11.2023
Forgotten Super Eagles star Nwakaeme joins Mo Salah and Mahrez in top 100 creators' list
One-cap Super Eagles forward Anthony Nwakaeme is the only Nigerian on the list of the top 100 creators, with Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez.
)
15:01 - 15.11.2023
Nigeria vs Lesotho: 5 Super Eagles stars to watch out for against the Crocodiles
Nigeria's Super Eagles will kick off the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Lesotho in the qualifiers.
)
14:04 - 15.11.2023
Nigeria vs Lesotho: Uzoho gamble could cost Peseiro his job
The end could be near for Jose Peseiro if he continues to play Francis Uzoho as the Super Eagles number one shot-stopper.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)