There was jubilation in both Nigeria and Seville on Friday night after Akor Adams marked his Super Eagles debut with a match-winning goal in a tense 2-1 victory over Lesotho in World Cup qualifying, Soccernet.ng reports.
Adams, who has been in fine form for Sevilla in La Liga, struck an 80th-minute winner to keep Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
His sharp dribble and low left-footed finish past the goalkeeper came after he replaced Tolu Arokodare midway through the second half.
Before Adams’ introduction, Nigeria had led through a William Troost-Ekong penalty after the referee had spotted a handball in the Lesotho area. But it was Adams, making his first Super Eagles appearance, who settled the contest.
Akor Adams doubled the lead for Nigeria against Lesotho. pic.twitter.com/b0yrbjgm2Y
— Ojora Babatunde (@ojbsports) October 10, 2025
Almost instantly, Sevilla’s official X account (formerly Twitter) erupted in delight, quoting Nigeria’s goal announcement with the simple caption: “Akorrrrr!”
AKORRRRRRR ❤️ https://t.co/oCHKyw0h2y
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) October 10, 2025
Moments later came more posts:
“Akor with a late winner on his debut.”
Akor with a late winner on his debut https://t.co/jid6oJMkq7
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) October 10, 2025
“First game ☑️. First goal. We mount.”
First game ☑️
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) October 10, 2025
First goal
We mount pic.twitter.com/MCWZbs41mr
And, attached to a GIF of a dancing man, another read:
“Admin’s mood when @AkorjeromeAdams scores the winner for the @NGSuperEagles.”
Admin’s mood when @AkorjeromeAdams scores the winner for the @NGSuperEagles
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) October 10, 2025
pic.twitter.com/e3CtinTPkd
The 24-year-old’s goal elevated him into a rare group of Nigerians who have scored on their debut, including Obafemi Martins, Julius Aghahowa, Femi Opabunmi, Brian Idowu, ans Stephen Makinwa.
Adams, who netted in consecutive La Liga matches against Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona before the international break, will now look to add to his tally when Nigeria face Benin on Tuesday in a must-win encounter.
From Zaria to Benue
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) October 10, 2025
The first-ever Nigeria to Nigeria assist vs Barcelona ✨
History made pic.twitter.com/ZNhGxWPDfB
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Nigeria’s World Cup hopes: win big or bust against Benin
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain alive, but only just.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, trailing Benin (17) and South Africa (15) after a dramatic penultimate round of fixtures. Friday’s win over Lesotho kept the former African champions in contention, but they still need results to go their way on the final matchday.
Benin beat Rwanda 1–0 to stay top, while South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe. It means Tuesday’s final round will decide everything. Nigeria host Benin in Uyo, while South Africa face Rwanda at home.
For Nigeria to qualify automatically for the World Cup, scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Eric Chelle’s side must defeat Benin by at least two goals. That could lift them level on points and possibly above Benin on goal difference.
However, the Super Eagles also need South Africa to fail to win against Rwanda. Only group winners qualify directly, and with Group C’s low total points, Nigeria’s realistic route is to finish first.
Anything less than victory by a healthy margin could see Nigeria miss the World Cup for the second consecutive time.
