Nigeria started their qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Lesotho in Uyo on Thursday.
Jose Peseiro’s men dominated the opening minutes of game but failed to convert their chances despite the presence of Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, Ademola Lookman in the attack.
Kelechi Iheanacho wore the captain’s armband in the absence of experienced Kenneth Omeruo and Moses Simon in the starting XI while Francis Uzoho got the nod to start in between the sticks.
Lesotho drew the first blood at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium as Motlomelo Mkwanazi took advantage of a defensive blunder to score the first goal in the 56th minute.
A few minutes later, Nigeria’s pressure paid off as Kelechi Iheanacho whipped in a corner-kick that Semi Ajayi converted for his first international goal for the Super Eagles.
The equaliser did not stop Lesotho from maintaining their rock-solid defensive formation as they tamed the the attacking threats of their hosts from all angles.
The result is a disappointment for the AFCON-bound Super Eagles while Lesotho will take pride in the draw after losing all their previous games against Nigeria.
Jose Peseiro’s men have a chance to make a statement in their last competitive game before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations when they visit Zimbabwe in Rwanda for their second World Cup qualifying fixture on Sunday.
