Afrigather Three-time African Champions, Nigeria’s Super Eagles kicked begin their marketing campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifying collection Day 1 on a shaking be aware after enjoying a 1-1 draw towards the Crocodiles of Lesotho on the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Thursday, November 16, 2023.
Tremendous Eagles have been with Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze as each gamers are recovering from an damage they suffered throughout a global pleasant in October.
Defender Motlomelo Mkhwanazi opened the scoring for Lesotho within the 56th minute, as Nigeria fought again to get the equaliser via Simon Ajayi within the 67th minute.
Tremendous Eagles coach Jose Peseiro began Francis Uzoho within the goalkeeping place. Vibrant Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Jamilu Collins pioneered the backline.
Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, and Kelechi Iheanacho have been in control of the midfield, whereas Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Victor Boniface led Nigeria’s assault.
Nigeria dominated play within the first half as Lesotho’s backline saved Awoniyi’s shot within the seventh minute.
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Nigeria continued to mount stress and have been near hitting the again of the online following an excellent mixture between Osayi-Samuel and Iwobi within the twenty third minute. Lesotho’s goalie saved Iheanacho’s free kick, and Lookman shot to disclaim Nigeria a purpose within the first half.
Lesotho began the second half with recent power and mounted stress on the house facet and it will definitely paid off as Lesotho opened the scoring via Mkwanazi.
In a fast bid to rescue some extent for Nigeria, Peseiro made two adjustments as he introduced in Moses Simon for Ademola Lookman, and Terem Moffi changed Awoniyi within the 59th minute because the three-time African champion went on the assault and eventually acquired the equalizer with Ajayi.
The Portuguese tactician made three adjustments, bringing Joe Aribo for Onyeka, Jamilu Collins was substituted within the 73 minutes, and Ola Aina for Osayi-Samuel as Nigeria went on the assault in the hunt for a comeback, however might solely accept a draw.
The Tremendous Eagles will fly to Rwanda for his or her subsequent match towards the Warriors of Zimbabwe on the Huye Stadium in Butare on Sunday, November 19, in a must-win to brighten their possibilities of enjoying within the 2026 FIFA World Cup that america of America, Mexico and Canada will collectively host.
Of their 2021 AFCON fixture, the Eagles gained 4-2 in Maseru with hefty contributions from Victor Osimhen, who acquired two targets and assisted two. Within the return match on the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos in March 2021, Osimhen scored one and assisted one within the 3-0 defeat of the guests, which ensured the Eagles completed the qualification collection unbeaten.
