When William Troost‑Ekong, captain of the Super Eagles, converted a 55th‑minute penalty in Abuja on 10 October 2025, Nigeria kept its World Cup qualification hopes alive with a 2‑1 win over Lesotho.
Match Recap: Goals, Drama and a Late Flicker
The game kicked off under a crisp evening sky, the crowd buzzing at the Abuja National Stadium. In the 55th minute, a handball inside the Lesotho box forced the referee’s whistle. William Troost‑Ekong stepped up and slotted the penalty low to the left corner, sending the home supporters into a roar.
Just minutes later, Akor Adams, playing his first match for the national side, seized the moment. Receiving a quick pass on the left flank, he cut inside and curled a low shot past the Lesotho goalkeeper, doubling Nigeria’s lead.
Lesotho refused to fold. In the 83rd minute, a forward simply known as Kalake nudged the ball home, restoring a sliver of hope and setting up a tense finish. The final whistle confirmed a 2‑1 victory, a result that lifted a palpable weight off the Super Eagles’ shoulders.
Group C Standings and What It Means
Before the match, Nigeria sat third in Group C of the African qualifiers, three points behind leaders Benin and South Africa. Only the group winner earns direct entry to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the four best runners‑up across the continent head to inter‑continental play‑offs.
The win catapults Nigeria to nine points, just two shy of the top spot. Simultaneous results – South Africa’s three‑point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, and Benin’s 1‑0 triumph over Rwanda – reshuffle the table dramatically. Nigeria now faces a winner‑takes‑all showdown against Benin in the final group fixture.
Coach Eric Chelle’s Tactical Outlook
Since taking charge in August 2024, Belgian‑born Eric Chelle has been under intense scrutiny. After a 1‑1 draw with South Africa, Chelle tweaked his formation, opting for a 4‑2‑3‑1 that gave the attacking midfielder more freedom to link play.
Speaking to local media after the game, Chelle praised his players’ discipline and said, “We needed a breakthrough, and the penalty gave us that. Now it’s about staying compact and exploiting the flanks against Benin.” The coach’s emphasis on defensive solidity and quick transitions will be crucial against a Benin side that relies heavily on aerial duels.
Key Players Who Sparked the Win
Akor Adams deserves a special mention. The 26‑year‑old forward, who signed for Standard Liège last summer, notched his first senior international goal. His pace and composure drew praise from analysts who noted, “Adams’ movement stretched the Lesotho defence and created space for the midfielders.”
Veteran goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, now serving as goalkeeping coach, was quoted by PunchNG as saying, “The defence held firm, but we need fewer chances conceded moving forward.” His mentorship of the younger keepers is already paying dividends.
Future Outlook: The Benin Showdown
The final group match is set for 17 October 2025 at the Stade de la Réunion in Cotonou. Nigeria must win to claim the top spot; a draw would leave the Eagles at the mercy of goal difference.
Benin, coached by Belgian manager Hugo Broos, will be eager to capitalize on South Africa’s point loss. Broos, who previously led the Super Eagles’ rivals, is known for a high‑pressing style that could test Chelle’s backline.
Fans are already buzzing on social media, with hashtags #EaglesRise and #BeninBattle trending across Nigeria. The NFF’s president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, vowed to “provide every possible support” for the squad, hinting at a possible travel subsidy for supporters.
Historical Context: Nigeria’s World Cup Journey
This qualification campaign marks Nigeria’s seventh attempt at a World Cup finals appearance. Since their debut in 1994, the Super Eagles have been a regular fixture at the global tournament, reaching the round of 16 in 1998 and 2014.
However, recent years have seen the team stumble in the early qualifying rounds, prompting calls for reform within the Nigerian Football Federation. The current administration has invested in youth academies and hired foreign technical staff, a strategy that appears to be paying off after the recent win.
With the world stage looming in North America, the pressure on the Eagles will only intensify. If they can best Benin, Nigeria will secure direct entry to the 2026 tournament, joining the United States, Canada and Mexico as the next African representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?
The 2‑1 win lifts Nigeria to nine points, just two behind group leaders Benin. A victory in the final match would hand the Eagles the group’s automatic spot; otherwise they must rely on being one of the four best runners‑up for a play‑off slot.
Who scored the goals for Nigeria and what is their club background?
William Troost‑Ekong converted a penalty while playing for Al‑Khaleej FC in Saudi Arabia. Akor Adams, who recently signed for Standard Liège in Belgium, added the second goal on his senior debut.
What impact did South Africa’s point deduction have on the group?
South Africa lost three points after fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena, dropping them from the top of Group C to third. This opened a pathway for Nigeria and Benin to contest the automatic qualification spot.
When and where will Nigeria face Benin in the final qualifier?
The decisive match is scheduled for 17 October 2025 at the Stade de la Réunion in Cotonou, Benin. Kick‑off is set for 19:00 local time.
What have the Nigerian Football Federation’s president said about the team’s next steps?
Ibrahim Musa Gusau promised full logistical support for the squad and hinted at incentives for fans travelling to Benin, emphasizing that the nation’s hopes rest on the upcoming fixture.
