Nigeria began their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on a disappointing note with a 1-1 draw against Lesotho at the Uyo Township stadium in Akwa Ibom State.

Motlomelo Mkhwanazi scored first for the visitors, heading home a corner at minute 56, before Semi Ajayi equalized for Nigeria, heading home a corner from Kelechi Iheanacho.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the clash.

1. Super Eagles Woeful In the First Half 

The Super Eagles delivered a lackluster performance in the first half against Lesotho. The  players were disappointing in the first half with their performance lacking penetration, sufficient desire and intensity required in a football game.

2) Boniface struggles In Osimhen's absence

Victor Boniface failed to impress in the absence of Victor Osimhen. Osimhen missed the clash against Lesotho due to the injury picked up against Saudi Arabia.

In the absence of Osimhen, the Bayer Leverkusen star led the attack alongside Taiwo Awoniyi, who has struggled with injury problems in recent weeks. 

Meanwhile, despite his incredible form for his German side, Boniface failed to impress against Lesotho and missed some scoring chances.

3. Onyeka fails to step into the shoes of Wilfred Ndidi

Jose Peseiro entrusted the Brentford midfielder with the task of filling in for Wilfred Ndidi. Unfortunately, Onyeka fell short in impacting the game and did not bring the commanding presence that the Leicester City midfielder would have provided to the Eagles' midfield.

4. Jamilu Collins the weak link in defence

Jamilu Collins re-entered the Super Eagles' lineup during a competitive game against Lesotho due to Zaidu Sanusi's injury and Bruno Onyemachi's fitness concerns.

Unfortunately, he did not leave a positive impression on Nigerians, encountering difficulties in contributing to the attack and displaying defensive vulnerabilities, thus becoming a weakness for the Eagles' backline.

He was eventually replaced by Bruno Onyemaechi with 17 minutes to the end of the game.

5. Super Eagles defensive woes continue 

The defensive struggles of the Super Eagles continues and has become a source of worry ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2024.

Nigeria have kept a clean record in their last five games in all competitions with a 6-0 victory over Sao Tome and Principe. The Super Eagles have also conceded two goals in three of their last five games.

Adeyemi Adewale

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