[ICYMI] WCQ: Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes Get a Kick… But Are They Still In?

By: Akinde S. Oluwaseun

Okay, so… Nigeria vs. Lesotho. Friday night. World Cup on the line. The Super Eagles? They got it done. 2-1. Just like that. Edge. Close. Decisive? Maybe. For now.

Penalty. 55th minute. Troost-Ekong. Handball. Goal. Jubilation. Pure, unadulterated joy from the home fans. Perfect start. Right there.

Then… Akor Adams. 80th minute. Clinical. Just like that, double the lead. Seemed like it was over. Easy. But Lesotho? They fight. 83rd minute. Kalake. Goal. Back door. The Eagles held firm. Three points. Crucial. But… Benin scored their goal. Big time.

So… Nigeria still behind on points and goal difference. Group C. One game left. Fate? Not totally in their hands. Not at all.

14 points. Benin? 17. Leading. Eagles still got paths, though. Path one? Win the final vs. Benin. Simple. Victory is essential. Path two? Hope for a slip-up. Benin and South Africa drop points. Path three? Goal difference. Trail them both. Score more. Keep clean sheets. Could be decisive if points are level.

Final day. Showdown. Strong performance? Could see Nigeria leapfrog Benin. Top spot? Possible.

For Lesotho? Defeat. Harsh. Blow. Effectively ends their hopes. Nine points. Five games. Need an almost impossible combo to stay in it. Tough road.