Nigeria’s dreams of a World Cup return started on a shaky footing with a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Lesotho. 

Lesotho – ranked 153rd globally; 113 below Nigeria – took the lead in the 56th minute against the run of play at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

But 11 minutes later, defender Semi Ajayi rose to the occasion to power a header past the Crocodiles’ goalkeeper for the equalizer.

The Super Eagles, however, have a chance to get their campaign back on track on Sunday, when they face Zimbabwe in their second clash of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Earlier, Zimbabwe and Rwanda, who are also in Group C of the qualification campaign, drew goalless. South Africa will take on Benin Republic in the same lot on Saturday.