2026 WCQ Nigeria 1 Lesotho 1: Ajayi's headed goal saves Super Eagles from embarrassing defeat 

The Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho in their first qualification game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Thursday evening.

Nigeria started in the usual 4-4-2 formation with Franci Uzoho, Brigh Osayi-Samuel and Frank Onyeka being the only players to have kept their places from the team that started against Mozambique.

The first chance of the game fell to the away side but Francis Uzoho was there to the rescue.

Nigeria's first real chance of the game came in the 21st minute when Ademola Lookman fed Jamilu Collins with a lofty pass but the effort of the left-back back wasn't enough to beat the goalkeeper.

Kelechi Iheanacho had the chance to put the home side ahead in the 34th minute from a free kick but his shot couldn't beat the Lesotho shot-stopper.

A few minutes later, Taiwo Awoniyi was presented with a glorious chance but he surprisingly missed the target.

The Super Eagles had two more chances in the first half but couldn't change the scoreline.

It was Lesotho that would take the lead in the 55th minute through Motlomelo Mkhwanazi's header.

Nigeria will also restore parity with a thumping  header from Semi Ajayi having been nicely found by Iheanacho's cross in the 67th minute.

Victor Boniface got the chance to get the winner but was denied by a last-gasp block from a Lesotho defender.

The three-time African champions will now head to Rwanda to face Zimbabwe for the second qualification game on Sunday

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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