Lesotho vs Nigeria: Akor Adams' debut goal proves decisive as Super Eagles take advantage of South Africa slip-up in fierce World Cup race

Eric Chelle’s men secured a 2-1 victory to give themselves a chance of qualification after a poor start to their qualifiers. 

The win puts them in a good position following South Africa and Benin Republic's results in the other qualifying games.

Although they remain in third position in their group, they are now one point behind the Bafana Bafana and the Cheetahs

Eric Chelle made a swift change to his formation, going for 4-4-2, with Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare spearheading the attack. Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi as a double pivot in midfield and Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon holding the flanks.

Following Ola Aina and Bright Osayi’s injury, the head coach brought in Bruno Onyemaechi and Benjamin Fredrick to join Calvin Bassey and Troost Ekong in holding the backline.

The Super Eagles started the game brightly, dominating possession and trying to break through the Lesotho defence, but their final third passes were not accurate.

Just before the half-time whistle, Arokodare missed a chance to put Chelle’s men in the lead but glanced his header from Simon’s corner off target.

Entering the second half, Nigeria were awarded a penalty after a Lesotho defender did a handball when trying to block a shot. Ekong stood firm and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to take the lead.

Nigeria pushed forward for another goal with a chance opening for Nidid and Moses in the box but were unable to convert any.

Osimhen tees up Akor Adams, who came in as a substitute for Arokodare and the forward beat his man easily to score the second goal. However, the two-goal advantage was cut down to one, with Lesotho getting a goal back courtesy of Hlompho Kalake's goal.

The 2-1 victory gives the Super Eagles hope heading to the final game against Benin Republic after hearing that South Africa were held by Zimbabwe.