The Super Eagles were the overwhelming favorites to beat Lesotho, but they lost badly.
Lesotho coach Leslie Nossi has revealed that he was able to secure a draw against Nigeria in their first match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers because he studied the Super Eagles well before the matchSoccer< /strong>Report.
On Thursday, three-time African champions Nigeria hosted Lesotho’s Crocodiles at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in their first World Cup qualifying match.
The Super Eagles were favorites to win against Lesotho due to home advantage and quality difference. Additionally, the Crocodiles are ranked 153rd in the world according to FIFA.
However, coach Jose Peceiro’s players gave a disappointing performance. They lacked the ability to break through in the final third and looked like a team lacking direction.
Lesotho shocked the three-time African champions in the second half when Motlomelo Mkhwanazi opened the scoring in the 56th minute. However, Semi Ajayi saved Nigeria’s blushes by scoring the equalizer in the 67th minute.
Unfortunately, the Super Eagles were unable to capitalize on their possession and had to share the spoils with the South Africans.
After the match, Lesotho coach Notch revealed how he got his players to put up an impressive performance.
“We didn’t show them any respect. We said no. ‘They’re people just like us. Let’s go there for fun,'” Notch said. Said at the post-match press conference
“But the fun we are talking about is not just about wasting time. But there is confidence and you have to express yourself in what you are good at .
“We followed the team, watched video clips, and found areas we could leverage.”
“I learned a lot from this match and I need to improve in the future.”
Despite the Lesotho shock, Peseshiro will try to lead his sons to victory in Sunday’s second group game against Zimbabwe.
