Nigeria expected to run over their opponents in their first two games of the World Cup qualifiers, but they fluffed their lines
Super Eagles assistant captain Moses Simon has apologised to fans following their poor showing in their first two games of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, Soccernet reports.
Nigeria kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
The first game was against the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja. The Super Eagles were favourites to win the game on paper due to the gulf in quality between both teams and also their pedigree. Nonetheless, they flattered to deceive it as they succumb to a 1-1 draw against the Southern Africans.
But in that game, Nigeria created a lot of chances, they bossed the possession and looked the better side. However, it was just their lack of cutting edge in the final third that ensured that they settled for a stalemate.
The second game, on the other hand, was not as good as the first. Despite playing on a neutral ground at the Stade Huey in Rwanda, Nigeria failed to to prove their quality. Zimbabwe matched them toe-to-toe and created a lot of chances.
Eventually, the Zimbabweans were rewarded with a goal in the first half off a free kick. Nonetheless, Jose Peseiro's boys were eventually able to get one point out of Rwanda after Kelechi Iheanacho's goal in the second half.
The two points ensure that Nigeria have just two points from a possible six in their first two games of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This has caused an uproar, especially in Nigeria, because the fans believe that the team has the ability to do more. Some have even called for the sack of Peseiro from the Super Eagles job.
However, Nantes star Simon, who was part of the team has appealed for calm
“Not the result we wanted, but we will surely bounce back,” Simon wrote.
“Big apologies to our fans, you deserve better than the performance against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
“We have overcome so many challenges in the past. And now is the time to reflect and come back stronger.”
The next set of World Cup qualifiers is in 2024, and fans will hope that the Super Eagles can get their acts together by then.
