Sports
Why we failed Nigeria — Jose Peseiro on Lesotho draw
The much-anticipated clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Lesotho in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier came as a disappointing draw for the Eagles at home on Thursday evening at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The initial half of the match concluded with both teams deadlocked at 0-0, showcasing a tightly contested battle on the field.
Lesotho broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a goal from Motlomelo Mkhwanazi, putting the visitors in the lead. However, the Super Eagles swiftly responded, leveling the scoreline at 1-1 in the 67th minute courtesy of Semi Ajayi’s well-timed header.
Despite relentless efforts from both sides, the match concluded with a 1-1 draw, granting each team a solitary point in the qualifying campaign.
However, post match, Super Eagles’ head coach, Jose Peseiro, attributed the draw to unfortunate circumstances, referring to it as a case of bad luck for his side.
Despite being the favorites, Peseiro acknowledged Lesotho’s resilient performance, highlighting their solid defense that frustrated his team’s efforts.
The Nigerian team faced missed opportunities throughout the game, with Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho’s free kick saved in the first half and striking the woodwork in the second. Ademola Lookman also squandered a chance before halftime.
Expressing disappointment with the outcome, Peseiro noted,
“We had 76% of the ball possession against 24% by Lesotho. The opponents only had two chances to score and scored a goal. We had many chances to score. It was bad luck.”
Responding to queries about underestimating Lesotho, Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi dismissed any suggestion of complacency.
He emphasized the team’s dedication and preparation, affirming their serious approach to the match. Ajayi pledged that the team would learn from the experience and return stronger in the upcoming fixtures.
The Super Eagles aim to rebound from this setback as they gear up to face Zimbabwe in their next crucial encounter on Sunday, eyeing a decisive performance to enhance their World Cup qualifying campaign.
