The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a hard‑fought 2‑1 victory over Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, keeping their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive. The win came after an intense match in which the hosts gave the Nigerians a strong challenge. Defender William Troost‑Ekong praised Lesotho, noting that “the Crocodiles played a great game. It was not easy to come here and win,” and acknowledged the pressure the team has faced since the qualifiers began.
Following the win, the Super Eagles will turn their attention to their next fixture against the Benin Republic on Tuesday. Troost‑Ekong emphasized the importance of maintaining a winning mentality, saying, “We want to do better always. We have a team of guys who want to do better,” and reiterated the squad’s ambition to reach the World Cup: “We want to be at the World Cup.” He reflected on the past nine months as challenging but expressed pride in the team’s performance and determination, adding, “We have been working under pressure for a long time. This is the final for us, and we will work very hard to get there.”
The coach also voiced pride in the players, urging them to keep their focus and momentum as they prepare for the upcoming match. The victory over Lesotho has significant implications for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign; with hopes still alive, the team must sustain its winning streak to secure a spot in the tournament. The clash with Benin will be a crucial test, and a strong performance will be essential to achieving their goal.
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