Super Eagles of Nigeria [PHOTO CREDIT: @NGSuperEagles]
After the recent victory recorded over Sao Tome and Principe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, the Super Eagles are back for action at the Nest of Champions. Unlike the last time when the game in question was a dead rubber, the stakes are high on Thursday as the Super Eagles seek to flag off their World Cup qualifying campaign on the brightest note possible.
Having missed out on the World Cup party in Qatar last year, the Super Eagles are keen to stage a return for the 2026 edition to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Rwanda and Zimbabwe played a draw on Wednesday as Group C kicked off in Rwanda.
Thus, the Super Eagles have a chance to start this qualifying series with their noses in front. Though the Crocodiles of Lesotho may not be seen as genuine contenders for the sole slot in the group, they could be spoilers if the Super Eagles are complacent.
Only a small portion of the present Super Eagles team has made it to the World Cup; hence, we expect the team to be hungry for qualification.
As the Super Eagles face Lesotho, PREMIUM TIMES will provide all the Live Updates in and around the game.
Kickoff is 5 p.m.
Still Nigeria 0-0 Lesotho after 30 minutes of action at the Godswill Akpabio stadium
Corner kick for Nigeria taken by Ihenacho but Lesotho deal well with the situation
Big miss !! Taiwo Awoniyi squanders a golden opportunity for Nigeria
The Crocodiles of Lesotho have done well to hold Nigeria thus far.. Ademola Lookman wriggles his way into the penalty box but his thunderous well blocked.
Lookman swings it well and though it is headed on target it has been taken care off by the goalkeeper.
A header from Victor Boniface taken care off by the goalkeeper.
Half Time; Nigeria 0-0 Lesotho
The two teams are back for the second half.
It has been a rainy day in Uyo but yet to rain goals here.
The second half is officially underway here at the Godswill Akpabio stadium.
Semi Ajayi wins a free kick for the Super Eagles deep into their own half.
Lesotho with ambitious attempt from yards away but it is off the target.
The Super Eagles have scored 15 goals in their last five outings but they’re finding it hard against Lesotho this evening.
Lesotho keeps checkmating any attacking move by the Super Eagles.
A Lesotho player is down on the turf and the game has been stopped momentarily.
Game back on and Iwobi gets a decent attempt on goal but the Lesotho goalkeeper makes another crucial save.
Yellow card for Nigeria’s Semi Ajayi.
Goal… Lesotho takes the lead in Uyo against the Super Eagles.
Motembe silences the crowd in Uyo as he heads Lesotho in front.
Lookman tries to get last his marker and swings the ball into the box six but Lesotho clear the situation.
Jamilu Collins fires a shot from close range but it is blocked by the face of the Lesotho defender.
Great play by Moses Simon who sends a pass to Victor Boniface whose effort hit the post.
65 mins Nigeria 0-1 Lesotho
Goal… Victor Boniface scores first goal for Nigeria!!
Coach Jose Peseiro on his feet as he appears ready to make more changes.
Meanwhile Lesotho has brought in their number 11 jersey player.
One two between Simon Moses and Victor Boniface didn’t work out well.. that could have been a second goal for Nigeria.
Joe Aribo has been brought into the game by coach Jose Peseiro.
Free kick for Nigeria in a promising position.. Moses Simon takes it, came close but off the target.
Bruno Onyemachi has also come in for the Super Eagles replacing Jamilu Collins in the backline.
75 minutes Nigeria 1-1 Lesotho
Another chance denied the Super Eagles as Ihenacho couldn’t take the shot he would have love to fire
Time ticking away.. Moses Simon tries to get a cut back pass in but the well organized Lesotho defenders thrawt the effort
Another free kick for Nigeria
On target but punched away by the Lesotho goalkeeper who has been fantastic in this game
Victor Boniface appears injured as he is brought down by one is the Lesotho defenders
Six minutes added time in Uyo for the Super Eagles to salvage a victory
Lesotho ranked 153 in the world and coming to Uyo to get a draw is not a good result for the Super Eagles
Defenders getting on the way as Nigeria win a corner
Joe Aribo misses a great chance
Full Time; Nigeria 1-1 Lesotho
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Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini
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