Trouble for Super Eagles: Heartbreak for Nigeria as South Africa CRUSH Lesotho to complicate FIFA WCQ dreams

South Africa’s crucial 3-0 victory over Lesotho has intensified the challenge for Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, piling pressure on the team as they face must-win matches in Group C.

In Friday evening’s qualifier, Bafana Bafana showed their strength and dominance with a comprehensive demolition of Lesotho on the visitors’ turf- in Free State Toyota Stadium, South Africa.

The game started cautiously, with both sides engaging in tough tackles, but it was South Africa who broke the deadlock in the 15th minute through Mohau Nkota.

Despite going behind early, Lesotho refused to back down, making for a competitive first half. However, the scoreboard reflected a 1-0 advantage for South Africa at halftime.

The visitors stepped up their intensity in the second half, turning the contest decidedly in their favour.

Foster doubled the lead in the 62nd minute, followed swiftly by a third goal from young Oswin Appollis at the 66th minute, sealing a comfortable 3-0 win for South Africa.

This win extends South Africa’s lead at the top of Group C to five points, placing them nine points ahead of Nigeria.

The Super Eagles now face a tough path, with critical matches ahead, starting with Saturday’s clash against Rwanda and a pivotal encounter against South Africa next week.

Failure to secure maximum points in these fixtures could seriously put an end to Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign.