Nigeria kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup alive, with a battling 2-1 win over Lesotho on Friday evening.

The Super Eagles arrived for the game in third place with 11 points, three behind South Africa and leaders Benin Republic.

Eric Chelle’s men knew that only victory would keep them in the race, but they failed to find the back of the net in the first half despite their dominance.

But after the break, Nigeria was awarded a penalty, which captain William Troost-Ekong tucked away calmly.

Debutant Akor Adams doubled the Eagles’ lead with a sweetly taken goal, but a defensive lapse saw Lesotho pull one back.

Nigeria will round off their qualifying series against Benin Republic next Tuesday in Uyo.