Sevilla striker Akor Adams made a dream start to his international career, as his debut goal helped the Super Eagles clinch a crucial 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Polokwane.
The win breathes slim life back into Nigeria’s qualification hopes after a nervy evening that tested the team’s resilience on foreign soil.
Akor Adams shines as Nigeria breaks Lesotho resistance
It was a match that began with tension and ended with relief. After a goalless first half at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Nigeria returned sharper and more determined.
Their persistence paid off when William Troost-Ekong converted from the spot in the 55th minute after Lesotho conceded a penalty for handball inside the box.
The breakthrough lifted the Super Eagles, but it was the introduction of Adams in the 64th minute that truly changed the game’s momentum.
The Sevilla man replaced Tolu Arokodare and quickly made his presence felt. Sixteen minutes later, he combined brilliantly with Victor Osimhen before firing home Nigeria’s second — a composed finish that showed his instinct and confidence in front of goal.
Lesotho’s late response, Nigeria’s steely finish
Lesotho refused to bow quietly, pulling one back through Hlompho Kalake in the 83rd minute.
But Nigeria held firm, with late substitutions—Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi—helping to steady the backline as the Super Eagles secured a vital away win.
It wasn’t the perfect performance one would expect from the Eagles, but for Adams, it was a debut to remember — proof that his goal-scoring form at Sevilla can translate onto the international stage.
Just a week earlier, Akor Adams had scored in Sevilla’s 4-1 win over Barcelona, bringing his sharp form into the international break.
However, Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, who picked up a yellow card against Lesotho and is now suspended for the next match.
This setback will surely leave Eric Chelle with selection questions.
Meanwhile, South Africa were held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by ten-man Zimbabwe in Harare, a result that dents Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualification hopes.
In Kigali, Aiyegun Tosin’s 95th-minute goal earned Benin Republic a dramatic 1–0 win over Rwanda, sending Benin to the top of their group and setting up a decisive final clash with Nigeria.
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