The Nigerian Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by the Lesotho Scorpions in the 2026 World Cup qualifying opener on Thursday night at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.
The Nigerian squad was expected to advance from a ballot that included Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Benin, and rival South Africa, but it was the tiny South African nation that upset the apple cart by proceeding 10 minutes after the resumption.
Unmarked at the near post, Motlemelo Mkwanzi soared high to head home, leaving Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho stranded.
READ ALSO: FIFA rankings: Super Eagles still ranked 40th in the world
West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi connects to Kelechi Iheaancho’s well-taken corner kick to square things up in the 67th minute.
What followed was a flood of half-chances for Nigeria, with Lesotho clinging to a historic point.
