2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Nigeria keep hopes alive after edging Lesotho to close in on Bafana Bafana and set up a Group C photo finish

Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession in the first half, the Super Eagles struggled to break Lesotho's defence.

It needed a penalty for Nigeria to go ahead and captain William Troost-Ekong assumed the responsibility to convert from the spot 10 minutes into the second half. 

Even after trailing, the hosts never showed any intention to hit back and it was actually the West Africans who nearly doubled their advantage on 62 minutes when Victor Osimhen was denied by the upright post. 

Osimhen was back against to rattle the post from a tight angle with 12 minutes to go as Nigeria searched for a goal to cushion their lead.  

Debutant and substitute Akor Adams' low shot then extended the Super Eagles' lead with 10 minutes to go.

But Likuena pulled back with seven minutes remaining when Hlompho Kalake graciously pounced on Stanley Nwabali's miscalculated punch in, to leave Nigeria at a risk of being levelled.

Some miscommunication between Sami Ajayi and Nwabali almost gifted Lesotho an equaliser, but Nigeria survived as an effort by the hosts went just wide. 

Following Friday's result, Nigeria remain third on the table and they still have three points fewer than log leaders Benin, who have 17 points after beating Rwanda on the same evening. 

Should the Super Eagles beat Benin by a three-goal margin at home on Tuesday and Rwanda at least hold second-placed Bafana Bafana to a draw, Eric Chelle's side will climb to the top of the standings. 

Group C is now poised for a photo finish, an exciting show to the end of this qualification campaign.

But some teams would be hurt in the event they fail to qualify for the World Cup, especially Bafana, who led the standings for the better part of this campaign.  

A big test of character awaits Nigeria as they prepare to host Group C leaders Benin on Tuesday and they would want to make the most of home advantage.   

It is a must-win match for the Super Eagles as Lesotho host Zimbabwe in a dead rubber on Monday at Peter Mokaba Stadium.