By Mark Ogagan
Nigeria got themselves back on track with a game to spare in the World Cup qualifiers when they narrowly edged Lesotho 2-1 in a Group C cracker at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on Friday night.
Victory for the Super Eagles rekindled hopes of automatic qualification after South Africa floundered in a goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Durban.
Nigeria coach, Eric Chelle fielded a strong side with the return of the Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen and Saudi Pro League, Al-Kholood defender and team Captain, William Troost-Ekong.
After a goalless first half, Nigeria shot into the lead 10 minutes after the restart when Troost-Ekong converted a penalty following a foul in the box.
With the clock ticking, Super Eagles continued to pile on the pressure, and this eventually paid off as Osimhen fed the ball to the right side of the penalty area for substitute Akor Adams to finish off for Nigeria’s second goal.
Lesotho, however, got themselves back into the game as Hlompho Kalake whipped a shot into the net after Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had dropped the ball from a corner kick.
The Crocodiles almost tied up the score in the dying moments following another sloppy goalkeeping from Nwabali, but the resulting low shot narrowly missed target.
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