Super Eagles 1-1 Lesotho: Nigerians ready to miss World Cup again in 2026

The Super Eagles of Nigeria started their campaign to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, November 16, 2023.

The Super Eagles World Cup qualification opener was against the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

The Super Eagles had international friendly games against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Mozambique during the last international break.

However, it seems those preparatory games did not help the Super Eagles as they produced a lackluster first half against Lesotho.

The first half ended in a goalless draw as they went to the break level with the minnows.

The second half had the same tempo until Lesotho went in front in the 56th minute when Tshwarelo Bereng located Motlomelo Mkhwanazi from a corner kick.

Super Eagles Head Coach Jose Peseiro took out Ademola Lookman and Taiwo Awoniyi for Terem Moffi and Moses Simon.

The Super Eagles increased the tempo of attacking through a corner kick by Kelechi Iheanacho found the equalizer headed in by Semi Ajayi.

Peseiro would later introduce Bruno Onyemaechi, Ola Aina, and Joe Aribo in an attempt to try to change the game.

The Super Eagles playing in the rain were unable to find the breakthrough as the game ended in a draw.

The Super Eagles have branded Let's Do It Again ahead of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d'Ivoire but were unable to start their World Campaign with a win.

The team under Peseiro had not shown any pattern of play building up or improvement in midfield.

Despite boasting some of the finest strikers in the world such as Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen and Terem Moffi of Nice the Super Eagles were unable to test the Lesotho goalkeeper.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and now fans believe after a draw to start against Lesotho will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States of America (USA).

The Super Eagles of Nigeria continue their World Cup qualification quest when they travel to Rwanda to take on Zimbabwe on Sunday, November 19, 2023.