2026 WCQ: What Super Eagles need to qualify after 2-1 win in Lesotho

There is still a chance that the Super Eagles could yet qualify for the 2026 World Cup, after beating Lesotho 2-1 on Friday evening.

Only two wins in their last two fixtures can keep Nigeria in the race.

And they picked up the first three points against the South African nation, despite an unconvincing performance in Pokolowane.

The Eagles failed to score in the opening 45 minutes as their dominance counted for nothing.

But William Troost-Ekong’s penalty and a debut goal from Akor Adams gave them a healthy lead, before a defensive mixup saw Hlompho Kalake lift the ball into an empty net.

The result means Nigeria are in third place with 14 points, three behind leaders Benin Republic, who they play in their final game on Tuesday.

South Africa are in second position with 15 points.

Nigeria can book their place as the top team if they beat Benin in Uyo and South Africa play out a draw with Rwanda.

However, due to Eritrea’s withdrawal, Eric Chelle’s men could qualify for the playoffs.

Eritrea’s decision to pull out, leaves Group E with just five countries, while the other eight groups have six.

To maintain fairness when ranking the best second-placed teams, as previously done in 2012, CAF is expected to exclude results against bottom-placed teams in the six-team groups.

If that rule is enforced, Nigeria could benefit, as they dropped points against Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

2026 WCQ: What Super Eagles need to qualify after 2-1 win in Lesotho