The Super Eagles of Nigeria can continue to dream about qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after battling to a 2-1 victory over Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Footynaija.com reports.

Second half goals from Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and senior national team debutant Akor Adams put Nigeria in cruise control before Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake pulled one back for the Crocodiles to set up a tense finish.

Footynaija.com now takes a look at how the Super Eagles fared out there in Polokwane.

Stanley Nwabali – GK: 5.5

The Super Eagles goalkeeper was pretty much an onlooker for majority of the game with his most significant contribution turning out to be that fumbling of what should’ve been an easy catch, an error Lesotho’s Kalake punished with finesse.

Benjamin Frederick – RB: 6.8

The young defender occupied that right-hand side of the Super Eagles defense with Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel missing. He put in a good shift for the team in the defensive third but failed to offer the needed quality going forward.

William Troost-Ekong – CB: 7.5 

The Super Eagles captain was solid at the heart of defense on those rare occasions when Lesotho ventured forward. He also made the most important impact by scoring Nigeria’s first goal to set the tone for today’s win.

Calvin Bassey – CB: 7.0

One of the Super Eagles’ better players on the pitch today, Bassey enjoyed a solid display alongside his defensive partner Troost-Ekong and didn’t give anything away all game.

Bruno Onyemaechi – CB: 6.8

The Olympiacos defender wasn’t occupied defensively with Nigeria on the front-foot, giving him license to push forward. He was more involved in the Super Eagles’ attacking sequences but just couldn’t produce that telling quality in the end.

Wilfred Ndidi – MF: 7.0

The Super Eagles midfield general was at the top of his game in Polokwane, providing solidity in the middle of the park and creating a platform for Nigeria to build attacks.

Alex Iwobi – MF: 6.8

Deployed in the deep-lying playmaker’s role, Iwobi played the role of orchestrator for Eric Chelle’s side. He was very involved in the game, providing that crucial link between defense and attack for the Super Eagles.

Ademola Lookman – FW: 6.5

Lookman appears to still be far from his mesmerizing best following a pretty tame display against the Crocodiles. He showed some dangerous flashes but ultimately failed to impact the game in a significant way.

Moses Simon – FW: 6.8

Simon was one of the Super Eagles’ more impressive attackers in today’s game but even he struggled to make any significant inroads into Lesotho’s low-block.

Tolu Arokodare – FW: 6.0

The towering striker earned himself a start after impressing during the last international break but his performance out there in Polokwane, mainly characterized by loose passes, left much to be desired. 

Victor Osimhen – FW: 7.0

While Nigeria’s talisman didn’t get himself on the score sheet, he still managed to make a telling impact on the game after unselfishly playing in Adams for the Super Eagles’ second goal. Osimhen’s tireless running also caused headaches for the Lesotho defense.

Substitutes

Akor Adams – FW: 7.0

The Super Eagles debutant replaced Arokodare just after the hour mark and went on to grab Nigeria’s winner with a sublime finish from the edge of the 18-yard box. Surely, he’ll remember this game forever.

Samuel Chukwueze – FW: 6.0

Chukwueze replaced Lookman with twenty minutes of the game left to play and looked lively whenever he received the ball at his feet.