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The three-time African champions are aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the seventh time
Nigeria failed to live up to expectations as they only managed a 1-1 draw with Lesotho in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winners were the massive favourites against the lowly Crocodiles. Still, Motlomelo Mkhwanazi gave the visitors the lead before Semi Ajayi saved Nigeria's blushes with a late equaliser.
How it happened
Head coach Jose Peseiro set up a heavily-attack-minded team with Taiwo Awoniyi leading the charge while Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Boniface were to provide support in and around the box.
As expected, the Eagles were on the front foot from the blast of the referee's whistle, with Taiwo Awoniyi having a slight sniff of goal in the opening few minutes, but the Lesotho backline snuffed out the chance.
Despite Nigeria's industry, Lesotho's goalkeeper was not called upon to make any serious save until the 34th minute when Iheanacho tested his palm with a well-struck free-kick.
Moments later, Awoniyi missed another fine chance to get Peseiro's men in front after good work from Boniface, but the Nottingham Forest man sliced wide with the keeper beaten.
Iheanacho should be scoring this everyday..#SoarSuperEagles
— Ibukun Aluko (@IbkSports) November 16, 2023
pic.twitter.com/Z96zBPhaog
On the stroke of halftime, Lookman fired another effort at goal, but it was kept out as both sides headed for the dressing at the break deadlocked.
The Eagles came close to the opening goal in the opening half, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second period. Motlomelo Mkhwanazi beat goalkeeper Uzoho with the Crocodiles' first shot on target.
Nigeria needed a huge response, and it arrived in the 67th minute when Semi Ajayi powered home a header off another fine Iheanacho corner-kick to hand the home team the equalizer.
https://twitter.com/Nadori_Z/status/1725205068788412878
Despite a late charge at Lesotho's goal, Nigeria could not muster the winning goal as the Eagles settled for a disappointing draw.
Next, Nigeria will make the trip to Rwanda to face Zimbabwe for their matchday two clash against the Warriors on Sunday.
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This is just the beginning as long as the coach keeps insulting our collective reason by Fielding Uzoho, Dem eyes go continue to see.
Journeyman Paseiro disclaiming his knowledge of Enyeama’s presence in Nigeria football analysis is an evidence of his flatulence about African football. This means he is not the proper candidate to be in charge of our Senior national football team. A Nigerian born and bred coach with the array of talents at Paseiro’s disposal, will shake the football world.
Shame, with this kind of performance, Zimbabwe will definitely beat super Eagles in their next match, I’m not surprised though, the writing was on the wall long time ago, since the NFF love to hire foreign coach that has woefully failed elsewhere.
I will be surprised if they can get a draw against Zimbabwe since Lesotho is the weakest team in this group, I weep for my beloved country.
Drawing with Lesotho in a world cup qualifier at home is simply unacceptable. Get us a ruthless Nigerian coach who thoroughly understand what football means to Nigerians. I mean it’s the only thing we ever had collectively as joy and happiness. Sack the yeye coach abeg…that most of us don’t know his name tells you how we feel.
Believe me sincerely, I don’t see any technical know how this man called the coach exhibits…with the array of talents at your disposal.. He still arrogantly fielded Uzoho…refusing to bring in Vincent Enyama to come and assist…that he doesn’t know him….Do you have to know a man that have served Nigeria with all his life even before your NFF agents imposed you on Nigerians…
Nasty fellas…pls I don’t see this Ms qualifying Nigeria for the world cup even AFCON…even if he does…Stu he’s not fit to take Nigeria there…let’s act before it’s too late…make hay while the sun shine
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I was absolutely shocked when the match ended and Nigeria was unable to beat Lesotho, then which team will Nigeria win in the group?
You can’t use Nigeria super Eagles as collateral to obtain a loan even from Esusu, don’t know if that’s the correct pronounciation