Nigeria’s chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another setback after South Africa cruised to a 3-0 win over Lesotho on Friday.
Bafana Bafana, who began the game at the top of the group, tightened their grip on first place with a dominant display. Mohau Nkota broke the deadlock in the 15th minute with a composed strike, before Lyle Foster doubled the lead midway through the second half. Oswin Appollis put the result beyond doubt just four minutes later.
The emphatic victory moved Hugo Broos’ men to 16 points from seven games, five ahead of second-placed Benin Republic on 11 points, while Rwanda sit third with eight.
Nigeria, languishing in fourth on seven points, will attempt to revive their slim qualification hopes when they take on Rwanda on Saturday.
