Nigeria and Lesotho played out a 1-1 draw on matchday one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
A disappointing outcome for the Super Eagles of Nigeria who were favourites to win but were left stunned when Lesotho took the lead in the 56th minute through Motlomelo Mkwanzi.
Semi Ajayi headed the Eagles level in the 67th minute from a corner-kick taken by Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Eagles did pile pressure in search of a winner but the Crocodiles were stubborn enough to force a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, their first time avoiding defeat vs the Super Eagles having lost all four previous encounters.
Here is summary of how the Eagles fared in the game.
FRANCIS UZOHO [4/10] – Conceding against lowly rated Lesotho will further hurt his confidence. Made one big save in the first half but failed to deal with Tshwarelo Bereng’s out-swinging corner-kick that led to the goal. Another moment that will increase calls for a new face in goal for the Eagles. He has Jose Peseiro’s trust though.
BRIGHT OSAYI-SAMUEL [6/10] – Not one of his best Super Eagles games though, but those attacking moves that made him toast of Nigerian fans were missing.
JAMIU COLLINS [7/10] – Preferred to Boavista left-back Bruno Onyemachi, Collins had a decent shift and got into promising attacking positions. It was strange seeing Peseiro take him off though.
CALVIN BASSEY [6/10] – Performed his defensive duties well plus being comfortable on the ball like Peseiro wants.
SEMI AJAYI [8/10] – The tall-guy to meet Iheanacho’s corner-kick and save at least a point for the Eagles. Was cool at the back and so my best player of the game.
FRANK ONYEKA [6/10] – Average game from the Brentford midfielder. Great tackles but was not that guy to try extraordinary things as the team pushed for goals.
ALEX IWOBI [7/10] – Was everywhere around the field. Unlucky most of his defence splitting passes were blocked.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN [6/10] – Had the chance to play in Victor Boniface for an easy finish but chose to go for goal himself from a tight angle, leading to an easy block from a Lesotho defender in the first half but also forced a big save from the visiting goalkeeper. Not one of his best games but not the worst.
KELECHI IHEANACHO [7/10] – Iheanacho was a constant threat from set pieces and created chance after chance for Nigeria against Lesotho, eventually providing the assist for the equaliser. Did not cause problems playing from the flank. Poor choice by Peseiro here. Senior man would have done better behind the main forward or as an attacking midfielder with his lopping passes. Remember the Sao Tome and Principe game.
TAIWO AWONIYI [5/10] – Missed the biggset chance of the match in the first half. A night to forget for the Nottingham Forest man.
VICTOR BONIFACE [7/10] – Did not score but made some excellent dribbles and take-ons towards the end. His inability to compete for balls from set-pieces shows the difference with the other Victor – Osimhen who was unavailable for the match.
SUBSTITUTES
MOSES SIMON [7/10] – His Introduction sparked more life into the Super Eagles attack.
TEREM MOFFI [4/10] – Failed to trouble the opposition defence.
JOE ARIBO [5/10] – Made no mistakes with passing but there was no significant contribution from here.
BRUNO ONYEMACHI [5/10] – Made no mistakes but did not do as much as Jamiu Collins whom he came-on for. Unnecessary substitution that was from Jose Peseiro.
OLA AINA – Spent little time on the pitch. No rating.
