Nigeria 1-1 Lesotho: West Brom’s Ajayi to the rescue as Super Eagles stumble in Uyo against Crocodiles

Three-time African champions aim for seventh World Cup appearance

Nigeria failed to live up to expectations as they drew 1-1 with Lesotho in their first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, reports Soccernet.ng.

The 2013 African Cup of Nations winners were favorites against the defeated Crocodiles. However, Motlomelo Mkhwanazi gave the visitors the lead before Semi Ajayi saved Nigeria with a late equaliser.

How it happened

Head coach Jose Peceiro assembled an attack-oriented team led by Taiwo Awoniyi, with Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Boniface providing support in and around the penalty area.

As expected, the Eagles were in the lead when the referee’s whistle blew, and Taiwo Awoniyi had a small chance to score in the opening minutes, but Lesotho’s defense denied him that chance.

Despite Nigeria’s dedicated efforts, Lesotho’s goalkeeper did not have to make a serious save until the 34th minute. At that moment, Iheanacho successfully took the free kick.

A few minutes later, Awoniyi missed a great chance to give Peseiro’s side the lead thanks to some action from Bonifatius, but the Nottingham Forest player’s shot was knocked over by the goalkeeper and went wide. It came off.

Just before half-time, Lookman took a further shot on goal, but this was blocked and both teams went into the league match without a goal conceded at half-time.

The Eagles came close to taking the lead in the first half, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half. Motlomelo Mkhwanazi beat goalkeeper Uzoho with Crocodiles’ first shot on goal.

Nigeria needed a big response and in the 67th minute Iheanacho’s excellent corner kick was headed in by Semi Ajayi to equalize for the hosts.

Despite attacking Lesotho’s goal in the second half, Nigeria could not score the winning goal, resulting in a disappointing draw for the Eagles.

Nigeria will next travel to Rwanda to take on Warriors and Zimbabwe in matchday two on Sunday.