Struggling Nigeria share points with Lesotho in World Cup qualifier

Alba Romero 1 year ago 7.1k
Nigeria were expected to win all three points in Thursday's World Cup qualifier. Screenshot/FIFA+

The Super Eagles hosted Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for a World Cup qualifier on Thursday and were unable to beat the visitors as the match ended in a 1-1 draw thanks to an equaliser scored by Semi Ajayi.

Nigeria started the match dominating possession and creating several chances to open the scoring in the first half but lost momentum as the minutes ticked by. The visitors even had their chance to show their claws in the first period due to mistakes made by the home side.

As a result, the first 45 minutes ended in a goalless draw. The Super Eagles took to the field with the same attitude to continue the match and Lesotho managed to take the lead due to their low pressure.

Tshwarelo Bereng took a corner-kick and Motlomelo Mkhwanazi finished it off to take the upper hand in the 56th minute of the match. After several changes made by coach Jose Pereiro, Nigeria found the equaliser in the 67th minute just as the opener was scored.

Semi Ajayi, who plays for English side West Bromwich Albion, restarted the match with a header after a corner-kick taken by his compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho, who also plays in the Championship for Leicester City.

Nigeria were expected to win all three points in Thursday's match but their lack of good efforts saw them share the points at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.

Mentioned in the news story

M. Mkhwanazi
Semi Ajayi
African WC Qual.