The Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Lesotho in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo on Thursday, according to coach Jose Peseiro, was an ill-fated affair more than a flat effort.
The Super Eagles were held at home by their visitors in front of a smattering of spectators in a rainy situation at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Lesotho is ranked 153rd in the world, 113 places lower than Nigeria, which is placed 40th.
After a scoreless first half, Motlomelo Mkwanazi scored from a corner for Lesotho, before Semi Ajayi headed Nigeria equal from a Kelechi Iheanacho corner 11 minutes later.
Peseiro’s men continued their dominance but couldn’t break their resilient visitors who snatched a point.
“We had 76 per cent of the ball possession to their 24 per cent. We played against a team that had just two shots while we were unlucky in the attack. We are sad about the result,” Peseiro said during the post-match presser.
Nigeria’s draw against the minnows hands the advantage in Group C to South Africa and Benin Republic who are yet to play in the qualifying series.
Meanwhile, Nigeria are second in the group behind Lesotho while Rwanda and Zimbabwe who also played a goalless draw on Wednesday are third and fourth.
The Super Eagles will next face Zimbabwe at their adopted ground in Rwanda on Sunday.