)
Lesotho manager Leslie Notsi has reacted to his side's shock performance against Nigeria Super Eagles in the FIFA WCQ.
Lesotho manager Leslie Notsi has reacted to his team’s stunning performance against African giants Nigeria Super Eagles.
Leslie’s Lesotho held the Super Eagles to a shocking 1-1 draw in the first game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, WCQ, on Thursday evening.
)
08:35 - 17.11.2023
Messi vs Ronaldo: Super Eagles legend Mikel Obi picks best player he faced
See who Super Eagles legend Mikel Obi picks between Messi and Ronaldo.
)
23:14 - 16.11.2023
‘Worse than Yakubu’ - Fans slam Awoniyi for shocking miss as Super Eagles disappoint against Lesotho
Taiwo Awoniyi's shocking miss against Lesotho has earned comparisons to the famous blunder by Yakubu Aiyegbeni at the 2010 World Cup against South Korea
Nigeria vs Lesotho
A star-studded Super Eagles team led by Bayer Leverkusen hitman, Victor Boniface, were expected to overrun their visitors on the day.
The atmosphere in the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, was filled with excitement as fans expected their Eagles to seal victory.
)
However, despite the Nigeria Super Eagles having most of the possession, it ended in disappointment as the team struggled to subdue the stubborn Crocodiles.
Nigeria dominated the first half, created the most and better chances but were unable to make them count with Taiwo Awoniyi, who missed a sitter, Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho all coming close.
)
The second half saw Lesotho display remarkable teamwork and resilience as they managed to breach the Super Eagles' defence in the 56th minute. The goal came from a corner as Lesotho sent shockwaves through the stadium, leaving the Eagles and their fans stunned.
However, the Super Eagles regrouped and would not accept defeat easily. Fueled by the renewed sense of urgency, inspired by substitute Moses Simon, Nigeria found the leveller via Semi Ajayi’s towering header from an Iheanacho corner to salvage a draw.
No respect for Nigeria
After the enthralling encounter, Lesotho's manager was a happy man and spoke to the Nigerian media.
According to a video posted on X.com by seasoned photojournalist OgaNla Media, Notsi said his Crocodiles had no respect for Nigeria and came to express themselves.
)
“We did not give them (Super Eagles) respect,” Notsi began in the video.
“We said they are the same human beings like us, let’s go there for enjoyment - the enjoyment we talked about was not just to go there and waste time but the self-belief has to be there and express themselves in the areas that we are good at.”
Notsi added that his Crocodiles followed instructions and have learnt lessons.
“We followed the teamwork, the video clips and saw areas where we can capitalise or utilise when we have chances of coming up with something,” he added. “We have learnt a lot.”
)
As the final whistle blew, Leslie Notsi and his Crocodiles left the pitch with heads held high. While the Super Eagles dominated on the ball, Lesotho earned respect for their organisation which earned them a share of the spoils.
Related content
)
21:21 - 16.11.2023
‘Lack of grey matter on the bench’ - Popular journalist rips into Peseiro after Super Eagles’ Lesotho disgrace
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has been heavily criticised after Nigeria failed to get the maximum three points at home against Lesotho in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier group stage campaign
23:14 - 16.11.2023
‘Worse than Yakubu’ - Fans slam Awoniyi for shocking miss as Super Eagles disappoint against Lesotho
Taiwo Awoniyi's shocking miss against Lesotho has earned comparisons to the famous blunder by Yakubu Aiyegbeni at the 2010 World Cup against South Korea
)
20:17 - 16.11.2023
Nigeria 1-1 Lesotho: 3 key reasons the Crocodiles tamed the shambolic Super Eagles
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho in Uyo and here is how the unfancied visitors made it happen.
)
20:07 - 16.11.2023
Nigeria vs Lesotho: 3 mistakes Jose Peseiro made in Super Eagles draw
The Super Eagles began their journey to qualify for the World Cup against Lesotho but failed to secure maximum points.
)
18:52 - 16.11.2023
Nigeria 1-1 Lesotho: Powerful Semi Ajayi header not enough as Crocodiles upset poor Super Eagles
153-ranked Lesotho forced the Super Eagles to a share of the spoils in the FIFA WCQ, with Semi Ajayi the hero for Nigeria.
)
15:43 - 16.11.2023
Super Eagles players perform welcoming ritual for new invitees Nathan Tella and Amas Obasogie
Super Eagles new invitees have been welcomed to the squad by their teammates with a ritual performance.
)
15:14 - 16.11.2023
Nigeria vs Lesotho: Alex Iwobi turns journalist, 'interviews' Aribo, Lookman and newcomer Tella in hilarious video
Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi discovered a new talent during their camping ahead of their Nigeria World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho.
)
14:19 - 16.11.2023
Nigeria vs Lesotho: Super Eagles coach Peseiro goes full-blown Mourinho mode to defend Uzoho again
Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has deployed a trick from his compatriot Jose Mourinho to defend Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
)
13:33 - 16.11.2023
Nigeria vs Lesotho: High stakes for Super Eagles as Jose Peseiro emphasises unparallel pressure to win
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro believes the expectations and pressure to win games in Nigeria are second to none in Africa.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)