16th November, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Fumbling Super Eagles of Nigeria on Thursday forced lowly Lesotho to 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, in a World Cup qualifier.
The Eagles, which is ranked 40 by FIFA were expected to fly over Lesotho regarded as minor in football, ranked 153 by FIFA and has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup or an African Cup of Nations.
After a goalless first half, the Southern African country silenced the 30,000 capacity filled stadium when they opened scoring through Motlomelo Mkwanazi, a defender in the 56th into the game.
The Eagles mounted the pressure on Lesotho in front of their home fans but the visitors defended resolutely and even with superior ball possessions, the Nigerian side found it difficult to penetrate the defence.
Semi Ajayi, who plied his trade with West Brom equalised for the Eagles on 67th minute after he was assisted by Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Nigerian side, with 72% percent ball possession, 14 goal attempts and eight shots on goal could not score a second goal despite their dominance.