Former Super Eagles midfielder Moses Kpakor in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa stated that he remains optimistic that Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Super Eagles battled to a hard-fought 2-1 away win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday.
The Eagles, desperate for a win to keep their slim qualification hopes alive, started the game cautiously but created early chances through Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare, both of whom failed to convert. It was a frustrating first half, as Nigeria struggled to find rhythm and went into the break goalless.
Full-Time in Polokwane!
The Super Eagles get the job done, goals from Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams seal the win!
Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria #LESNGA #SoarSuperEagles #FIFAWCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/03mGPNGZkk
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 10, 2025
The breakthrough finally came in the second half, when captain William Troost-Ekong coolly converted a penalty in the 58th minute to give Nigeria the lead. However, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman picked up a yellow card in the 64th minute, a booking that will rule him out of Tuesday’s decisive clash against Benin Republic in Uyo.
Substitute Akor Adams, making his debut, doubled Nigeria’s advantage after a clever assist from Osimhen, giving the Eagles a crucial cushion. But goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s failure to deal with a corner allowed Lesotho’s Kalake to pull one back in the 83rd minute.
Despite the late scare, Nigeria held firm to secure all three points, moving up to 14 ahead of the final Matchday.
Super debut for Akor Adams 🦅🔥 pic.twitter.com/4PLWTM3tvQ
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 10, 2025
Kpakor, who represented Nigeria at the 1988 Olympics and the 1990 AFCON in Algeria, believes the dream of World Cup qualification is still alive.
“I somehow believe we will be at the World Cup despite the position we are in at the moment,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa after the game. “Yes, things look tough with Benin and South Africa ahead of us, but football has produced many surprises before. The boys did well to get the win against a strong Lesotho side that even troubled us at home.”
“I must commend Eric Chelle, I might even say he deserves the Man of the Match. Hopefully, we win on Tuesday and the other results go our way. I believe it’s still possible.” Kpakor added.
A Super Eagles victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, combined with South Africa failing to beat Rwanda, would see Nigeria finish top of Group C and qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
There’s also a slim chance of qualification via technical adjustments to the standings following Eritrea’s withdrawal from the qualifiers.
