By Akinwale Kasali
Disappointed fans at the Godswill Obot Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State couldn’t hide their feelings as they booed the Super Eagles players following their shambolic display against lowly rated Crocodiles of Lesotho in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The less fancied Lesotho National Team showed that they were in Nigeria to prove bookmakers wrong as they stood toe to toe with the three-time African Cup of Nations Winners, by curtailing the Super Eagles which paraded arrays of European Stars.
After a goalless first half, the Lesotho side took the lead courtesy of Motlomelo Mkwanazi strike in the 56th minute to give the Southern African team the lead.
They never rested on their oars as they pushed forward in search for the second goal to seal their victory.
This prompted Coach Jose Peseiro to swing into action by making a substitution. He withdrew Nottingham Forest Football Club Forward, Taiwo Awoniyi for Nice Football Club of France forward, Terem Moffi alongside Nantes Winger, Moses Simon for Ademola Lookman of Atalanta Football Club of Italy.
The much needed equalizer came in the 67th minute courtesy of West Bromwich Albion defender, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi.
Following the equalizer, the vociferous fans could be heard gearing the Super Eagles to get the much needed goal to seal victory, but the team failed to make the home support and advantage result into anything positive.
Lesotho was able to absorb the pressure coming from the Nigerians to salvage the draw.
Peseiro had started the game with Francis Uzoho in goal, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Jamilu Collins in the heart of the Super Eagles defense.
Kelechi Iheanacho, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman were in the midfield with Victor Okoh Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi leading the attack.
On Sunday, the Super Eagles will play the Warriors of Zimbabwe at Butare Stadium in Rwanda.
