Super Eagles Begin World Cup Qualifiers With Disappointing 1-1 Draw With Lesotho

Nigeria’s National Team, the Super Eagles kicked-off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 1-1 draw with Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Lesotho despite being the underdogs and ranked 153rd impressed in the match and went toe-to-toe with the Eagles. They eventually took took the lead in the 56th minute against the run of play, but were pegged back 11 minutes later, when defender Semi Ajayi scored a header from a corner kick.

Although the Super Eagles enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession in the match, they however were unable to grab the win due to a combination of wasteful finishing and good defending from Lesotho.

pic.twitter.com/KADdsTlAHJ

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 16, 2023

The result has led to a barrage of criticism online from fans and journalists who all lamented the costly points dropped at home, and the poor performance put on stage.

On Sunday, the Super Eagles, have a chance to get their campaign back on track when they face Zimbabwe in their second clash of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.