William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a Lesotho handball, before Akor Adams doubled the lead with a composed finish. Lesotho pulled one back through Kalake late in the game, but Nigeria held on to claim all three points.

Despite the victory, Nigeria remain second in Group C with 14 points, trailing leaders Benin Republic who won their own match to move to 17 points. With only one game left, Nigeria’s qualification hopes are still uncertain.

To top the group and qualify automatically, Nigeria must defeat Benin in the final match. They will also need to hope South Africa and Benin drop points, or significantly improve their goal difference in the event of a points tie.

Read Also: 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Face Must-Win Clash Against Lesotho in Polokwane

Lesotho, meanwhile, see their slim qualification hopes all but ended, sitting on nine points with little chance of progression.

Source: Punch

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The Galatasaray striker, who missed the 1-1 draw with South Africa due to injury, headlines a 23-man squad named by head coach Eric Chelle. He is joined by team captain William Ekong and vice-captain Wilfred Ndidi.

Other key players include Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, and rising defender Benjamin Fredricks. Semi Ajayi and France-based Terem Moffi return after injury layoffs.

There are surprise call-ups for Akor Adams, Sevilla’s young prospect, and Russia-based Olakunle Olusegun.

Read Also: Super Eagles destined to beat South Africa, says Rohr

Nigeria face Lesotho in South Africa before a decisive clash with Benin Republic in Uyo. The Super Eagles sit third in Group C with 11 points, three behind leaders Benin and second-placed South Africa, who were recently docked three points for fielding an ineligible player.

The squad is expected to assemble in South Africa ahead of the qualifiers.

Source: Punch

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Venezuela’s hopes of qualifying for a first-ever World Cup ended in crushing fashion with a 6-3 home defeat to Colombia, and the fallout was swift.

Maduro, addressing the nation in the wake of the defeat, described the result as a “painful loss” and demanded sweeping changes within the Vinotinto camp.

“All of Venezuela demands a restructuring of the technical staff of the Vinotinto, a reorganisation of the strategy, of the doctrine, and of the line of combat and hard work,” he said.

Read Also: Nwabali Picks Up Injury Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Venezuela remains the only nation in the CONMEBOL federation yet to qualify for a World Cup.

In a parallel move, Peru also parted ways with head coach Oscar Ibáñez. Their qualification campaign had ended before the final round, and they closed out the group stage with just two wins, ten defeats, and a meagre tally of six goals from 18 matches.

Source: Punch

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Team doctors confirmed that Osimhen sustained a chin injury during Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo and later complained of persistent discomfort. After medical evaluation, he was ruled out of the clash in Bloemfontein.

“Victor has a bruise on his chin and woke up with discomfort. After examination, it was decided he will not travel with the squad,” the team’s doctor said.

His absence leaves head coach Eric Chelle with a major selection dilemma as Nigeria pushes for a second consecutive win in the qualifiers. With Osimhen sidelined, Chelle is expected to turn to Tolu Arokodare, Cyriel Dessers, or Samuel Chukwueze to lead.

Read Also: Nwabali Picks Up Injury Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Arokodare, who netted the winner against Rwanda, is likely to start, while Dessers offers a more physical option up front. The coach may also rely on wide players Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon to carry the attacking threat, with Alex Iwobi possibly moving into a more advanced role.

Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 10 points from six matches, trailing leaders South Africa by six points. The reshuffle comes at a critical stage, with little room for error as the Super Eagles aim to close the gap and keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Source: PremiumTimes

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The result clinched the final automatic qualification slot for South America, prompting President Santiago Peña to declare an impromptu national holiday.

“Friday will be a day to honour the epic campaign that has inspired the entire nation,” Peña announced, as thousands of fans flooded the streets in jubilation.

While some critics called the holiday excessive, many citizens embraced the moment as a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.

“There are kids who have never seen the Albirroja in a World Cup,” Peña noted. “There are Paraguayans who have waited a lifetime for this.”

Read Also: FIFA considering expanding World Cup to 64 teams

Paraguay last appeared in the tournament in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by eventual champions Spain.

Their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will mark the country’s ninth appearance at the tournament.

Source: Punch

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Boniface, who recently saw a move to AC Milan collapse after failing a medical check, has struggled with multiple injuries, including cruciate ligament and muscular issues, limiting his recent appearances. Despite returning to Bayer Leverkusen training, he has been excluded from the squad, leaving Chelle with Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, and Samuel Chukwueze as forward options.

In more positive news, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been declared fit after sustaining an injury during a South African league match. Nwabali, who has been impressive since taking over as Nigeria’s number one at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, will feature in the squad alongside veteran players such as William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen.

Read Also: I won’t be at Club World Cup – Cristiano Ronaldo

The Super Eagles sit fourth in Group C, six points behind South Africa, and must secure maximum points from the double-header to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Source: Punch

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