Nigeria secured the win they needed, beating Lesotho 2-1, to ensure the race for qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup goes down to the wire in Group C.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong nailed a penalty kick to make up somewhat for his own goal during the previous round of matches, and Akor Adams, fresh off scoring against Barcelona last week, scored to claim a two-goal advantage.
But the Super Eagles made life difficult for themselves, as has been typical of throughout this qualifying series, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali at the centre of the show.
Within minutes of Adams’ goal, the usually reliable Nwabali flapped casually at a cross, palming the ball into the path of Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake, who instinctively looped the ball over the Nigeria keeper.
Nwabali was again the architect of near disaster with the game petering out in stoppage time, getting into a mess with Semi Ajayi, and Lesotho’s Fusi Matlabe pounced on the ball and took an instinctive shot; millions of Nigerians watched in shock and disbelief as the ball dribbled just wide of the far post.
The Super Eagles held on, and lived to fight another day. But once again, on the basis of their display, it is hard to see them anywhere near a World Cup team.
ESPN
