There was an extraordinary level of confidence that the Super Eagles were going to defeat Lesotho when both sides went up against each other at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in the opening game of the Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday evening.
There was of course every reason to be boastful of such a victory. Nigeria were ranked 113 places higher than the Crocodiles so it was expected to be a walk in the park in the supposedly David vs Goliath fixture. After all, Jose Peseiro’s men thumped another minnows Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 in Uyo in the final 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September.
Fans watching in Uyo and on their screens back at home where however in disbelieve when Lesotho took the lead in the 56th minute courtesy of Motlomelo Mkwanazi. West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi equalised 13 minutes later but that confidence in getting three points was deflated as the game ultimately ended 1-1, drawing outrage from fans.
— ???????? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 16, 2023
As usual, the blame game proceeded with the chief victim being head coach Peseiro who has failed to convince fans of his abilities to impact the team. The team on Friday contained names such as Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi among others but they were all lethargic, bereft of ideas and very wasteful in front of goal.
Obviously, Nigeria were the better side with 73% of the possession, but making little out of 14 total shots of which eight were on the target, was very distasteful.
While on paper Nigeria should not have any problem dispatching Lesotho, it is not news that they fail to do the needful when it matters most. There is a well-documented history of the Super Eagles not rising to the occasion against minnows and it will repeat itself as many times as possible for obvious reasons.
There is clearly no synergy or well-defined pattern of play in the team. This leaves them exposed and at risk of getting upsetting results like against Lesotho. That top players such as the aforementioned are on the pitch is no guarantee for a good performance. These players come from different clubs where they are used to well-defined tactical patterns.
Coming into a setup that is not well-defined opens room for mediocrity and shambolic play. Premier League giants Manchester United and their current predicament is a perfect example of how things are with the Super Eagles.
The three-time African champions have started the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers on a poor note and are at risk of missing out on the Mundial in three years time in the United States, Mexico and Canada if they put in a similar display in their other qualifiers, the next away to Zimbabwe on Sunday.
Back to work. Focused on the next assignment#soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain #fifa2026worldcupqualifiers pic.twitter.com/bh19MRMfW9
— ???????? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 17, 2023
Only top spot will guarantee an automatic place in the finals and with South Africa, Benin, Rwanda and of course Lesotho away from home still to come, the Super Eagles have one hell of a job on their hands judging by Thurday’s performance.
It is made worse by the fact that the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is less than 60 days away in the Ivory Coast and potential trouble looms if there is no change in the approach and mentality to games with the heavy weight of expectations from supporters.
