Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Thursday started the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers campaign on a shaky note after playing a 1-1 against the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
The three-time African Cup of Nations winner couldn’t penetrate the defence of their first group C opponents despite controlling possession, failing to create any clear cut goal scoring chances against the Southern Africa side.
But then, the team was punished as the Crocodiles of Lesotho took a shock lead in the 56th minute thanks to Mkwanazi’s goal to silence the home supporters.
However, in the 67th minute, the Super Eagles leveled parity through Semiu Ajayi’s goal to give the team an element of hope.
But all efforts to score the vital goal proved abortive as Lesotho kept their backline very tight to ensure they shared a point with Nigeria.
The Super Eagles will next face Zimbabwe on Sunday at the Huye Stadium in Butare, in a game Nigeria must pick the maximum points if they are to brighten their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
