The Super Eagles of Nigeria today got off to a disastrous start in the qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup after they dropped two precious home points to little Lesotho.
It will be the second draw in Group C after hosts Rwanda played out a scoreless draw with Zimbabwe Wednesday.
South Africa could go top of the group should they beat Benin in Durban Saturday.
The Eagles were disappointing in Uyo as they had to force a 1-1 draw after Lesotho, 153rd in the FIFA ranking and who have lost all three head-to-head meetings with Nigeria, stunned their hosts in the 56th minute.
Motlomelo Mkhwanazi headed home off a corner to silence the home crowd, before defender Semi Ajayi restored parity in the 67th minute in similar fashion.
The West Bromwich Albion central defender headed home a corner by captain Kelechi Iheanacho.
Lesotho goal vs Super Eagles #NGALES pic.twitter.com/QSIKasSilT
— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) November 16, 2023
The Crocodiles of Lesotho showed their teeth early in this encounter when goalkeeper Francis Uzoho had to parry to safety a dangerous effort.
Thereafter the Lesotho goalkeeper and captain Sekhoane Moerane proved to be a major stumbling block to the Super Eagles.
In the 22 minute, he kept out Jamilu Collins shot from inside the box, before he did same with a free kick by Iheanacho on 34 minutes.
Taiwo Awoniyi will then miss a sitter two minutes later after he was set up by Victor Boniface inside the six-yard box.
On the dot of halftime, Ademola Lookman was denied by the impressive Lesotho shot stopper.
Besides this excellent goalkeeping, the visitors were also resolute in defence for them to achieve a confidence-boosting result in Nigeria.
Super Eagles Starting XI (4-4-2) vs Lesotho – Uzoho – Collins (Onyemaechi 73), Osayi-Samuel (Ola Aina 84), Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey – Onyeka (Aribo 73), Iwobi, Lookman (Moses Simon 59), Iheanacho- Boniface, Awoniyi (Moffi 59)
