The Super Eagles of Nigeria had to come from behind to record a 1-1 draw against Lesotho in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Thursday night.
The Crocodiles are seeking to make history as they have never qualified for the AFCON and World Cup tournaments.
Motlomelo Mkhwanazi gave the visitors the lead in the 56th minute, silencing Nigerian supporters.
The home side equalized through Semi Ajayi in the 67th minute, forcing the match into a draw.
Reacting to the result, Lesotho head coach Leslie Notsi believes the result against Nigeria will boost the morale of the team going into the next fixtures.
“It brings a lot of confidence coming to Nigeria and getting a point; it’s a massive result for us,” he said.
“It gives us self-belief and the hope that yes, we can. There is something that I normally talk to them about: that I am, I can, and I must, so it is something that they should always think about. I can do it, I must work hard; I must have that self-belief.
Notsi continued: “So I think we are on a progression that is very positive from our point of view as a small football country of two million people.”
Group C includes Lesotho, Benin, South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Isaac Ngata issues bold statement ahead of Zambia-Congo clash.
Lesotho will meet Benin in their next assignment on November 21, while the Super Eagles will face Zimbabwe on Sunday.
Fulltime CAF World Cup Qualifiers Results
Burundi 
3-2 
Gambia
Botswana 
2-3 
Mozambique
Egypt 
6-0 
Djibouti
Sudan 
1-1 
Togo
Nigeria 
1-1 
Lesotho
Gabon 
2-1 
Kenya
Algeria 
3-1 
Somalia
Cape Verde 
0-0 
Angola
