Lesotho vs Nigeria live: Super Eagles have slim lead as Kalake set up tense finish in crucial World Cup qualifier
Nigeria will feel they need maximum points to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive
Nigeria’s are running out of time to turn their World Cup 2026 qualification campaign around as they face Lesotho in a must-win penultimate match.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C, with only top spot guaranteeing participation in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year. The four best second-place teams will then enter the ever-dangerous play-offs vying to qualify.
Placed three points behind Benin and South Africa in the two spots above them, Eric Chelle’s side will feel they need six points from six to give them any hope of either outcome, though their chances were recently boosted when Bafana Bafana were docked three points for fielding an ineligible player earlier in qualifying.
Lesotho will meanwhile look to cause an upset and effectively end Nigeria’s hopes of qualification by keeping their own World Cup dreams alive, with it still mathematically possible that the enclaved country can close the five-point gap between themselves and the top two.
Follow all the latest build-up, team news and minute-by-minute updates from the game in our live blog below:
Full-time! Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria
Nigeria have done it!
They manage to get the crucial three points that they needed to keep themselves in the hunt for a World Cup place.
South Africa have drawn meaning that Nigeria can still finish either first or second in Group C.
Benin’s victory over Rwanda means the Super Eagles must beat Benin in the final group game in order to have a chance of qualifying.
Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria
90+3 mins: Benin have scored against Rwanda meaning they will remain three points clear of Nigeria is the Super Eagles manage to win this match.
Benin and Nigeria play each other in the final match of qualifying.
Two minutes to play.
Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria
90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play before Nigeria are safe and secure.
As thing stand they will move within one point of both South Africa and Benin in Group C.
A draw won’t help them, they need all three points.
Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria
86 mins: There are nerves in the Nigerian team now.
Lesotho have the momentum and the belief that they can get something out of this game.
Nigeria need to get to the final whistle.
GOAL! Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria (Hlompho Kalake, 83')
It’s not game over yet!
The Crocodiles get themselves a goal as a corner kick lands favourably to Hlompho Kalake.
He whips a shot over the top of the goalkeeper and finds the net to set up a tense finish.
GOAL! Lesotho 0-2 Nigeria (Akor Adams, 80')
Perfect from Nigeria!
A goal made by Victor Osimhen who is fed the ball on the right side of the penalty area.
He could shoot but decides to pull it back to Akor Adams instead.
The substitute, on his debut, takes a touch then drills his effort past Sekhoane to double the lead.
Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria
78 mins: Post!
Sekhoane keeps Lesotho in the game after so fine footwork from Osimhen.
He receives the ball in the box, dribbles through two defenders then shoots.
The goalkeeper gets a touch to the ball and pushes it onto the near post where it deflects behind for a corner.
Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria
75 mins: 15 minutes still to play here and Nigeria are being forced to defend more than they’d like.
They are still trying to add to their own score but Lesotho are hoping find that equaliser.
Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria
69 mins: Lesotho win a free kick over on the left side of Nigeria’s final third.
The set piece gets swung into the penalty area and is nodded wide of the target by Thabo Makhele.
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