Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria Player Ratings: Adams Rated 8.5/10 as Super Eagles Scrape Past Lesotho in a 2-1 Victory

Nigeria managed to secure a vital 2-1 away victory against a spirited Lesotho side. The match, held at Peter Mokaba Stadium, was far from the straightforward affair many predicted. From our perspective, the Super Eagles were made to work for every single inch of ground against a well-drilled Lesotho team.

The first half was a cagey, tactical battle. Neither side could break the deadlock, heading into the interval at 0-0. We noticed Nigeria looked a bit frustrated, unable to convert their possession into clear-cut chances. Lesotho, on the other hand, grew in confidence as the half wore on, defending resolutely and showing glimpses of danger on the counter.

The game burst into life in the second half. A clumsy challenge in the box led to a penalty for Nigeria, which captain William Troost-Ekong coolly converted to give his side the lead. The floodgates didn't open as expected, however. Instead, it was a substitute, Akor Adams, who doubled the advantage late on with a sharp finish. Just when it seemed Nigeria would cruise to victory, Lesotho hit back with a goal of their own, setting up a nervy final few minutes in this exciting match. Ultimately, the visitors held on for a crucial three points.

Here are the Lesotho Vs Nigeria Player Ratings

Nigeria Player Ratings vs Lesotho

Here are Nigeria Player Ratings vs Lesotho

Goalkeeper

S. Nwabali - 6.5: Had a relatively quiet evening for large spells of the game. He was left with no chance for the goal he conceded late on. What stood out to us was his composure when he was called into action, handling the ball cleanly and distributing it effectively. A solid, if unspectacular, performance from the Nigerian shot-stopper.

Defenders

Benjamin Fredrick - 6.5: A decent performance from the defender. He was steady for the most part, though the entire backline will be disappointed to have lost their clean sheet. We noticed he was keen to step out and engage Lesotho's attackers. He looked comfortable in possession and contributed to building play from the back.

William Troost-Ekong - 8.0: A true captain's display. He was a rock at the heart of the defense, organizing the backline and making crucial interventions. What defined his performance was the immense pressure he handled to step up and dispatch the penalty, breaking the deadlock at a critical moment. His leadership was palpable throughout the ninety minutes.

Bruno Onyemaechi - 6.5: A solid and reliable showing from the full-back. He was defensively sound, rarely allowing his opponent to get the better of him. He supported the attack when possible but his primary focus was clearly on his defensive duties. From our perspective, he did exactly what was required of him without any fuss.

Calvin Bassey - 7.0: Impressive performance alongside his captain. He was strong in the tackle and showed great pace to cover the channels. What stood out was his comfort on the ball, often driving forward to start attacks. He seemed a little frustrated after conceding, a sign of his high standards. A very commanding presence.

Midfielders

Wilfred Ndidi - 7.0: The engine room of the team, as usual. He worked tirelessly to break up play and shield the defense. We noticed his positioning was excellent, always seeming to be in the right place to snuff out danger. While he wasn't as dominant in possession as he can be, his defensive contribution was immense.

Alex Iwobi - 6.0: A mixed bag from the creative midfielder. He showed neat touches and tried to unlock the stubborn Lesotho defense, but his final ball was often lacking. From our perspective, he seemed to get a bit frustrated as the game went on. He never stopped trying to make things happen, but it was just not his day for end product.

Forwards

Ademola Lookman - 6.0: He was a livewire in the first half, causing problems with his pace and dribbling. However, his performance was soured by a needless yellow card. He failed to produce a decisive moment before being substituted. We expected a little more from him, and his frustration was visible.

Victor Osimhen - 7.5: Even without a goal, he was a massive handful. He bullied the Lesotho defenders all evening with his physicality and relentless running. It was his presence and pressure that led to the penalty. What stood out to us was his work rate; he never gave the opposition a moment's peace.

Tolu Arokodare - 5.5: A very quiet game for the striker. He struggled to get involved and seemed isolated for much of his time on the pitch. It was no surprise to see him substituted in the second half. A disappointing outing where he just couldn't impose himself on the match.

Moses Simon - 6.5: A typically industrious performance from the winger. He provided good width and tracked back diligently to help his full-back. He put in a few dangerous crosses that deserved better. From our perspective, he was a reliable and hard-working outlet for the team throughout.

Substitutes

Akor Adams - 8.5: The highest-rated player on the pitch and the clear man of the match. He came off the bench and did exactly what was needed, scoring the crucial second goal with a composed finish. His impact was immediate and decisive. An absolutely perfect substitute's performance that secured the win for his country.

Samuel Chukwueze - 6.0: Brought on to provide a different kind of threat. He looked sharp and direct but didn't have enough time or opportunity to make a game-changing contribution.

Manager

É. Chelle - 7.0: He got the three points, which is the bottom line. His team selection was strong, and his substitutions, particularly bringing on Akor Adams, were spot on. However, he might be concerned by how his team struggled to break down a weaker opponent for so long and the lapse in concentration that led to Lesotho's goal.

Lesotho Player Ratings vs Nigeria

Here are Lesotho Player Ratings vs Nigeria

Goalkeeper

Sekhoane Moerane - 5.5: A tough evening for the captain. He couldn't do anything about the penalty but might feel he could have been positioned better for the second goal. He made a couple of routine saves but looked a little overwhelmed by the occasion at times. A difficult match against a top-tier attack.

Defenders

Motlomelo Mkwanazi - 6.0: He fought bravely against the likes of Osimhen and Lookman. He was part of a defensive unit that was compact and disciplined for large periods. The pressure eventually told, but he can hold his head high after a battling performance.

Fusi Matlabe - 5.5: Struggled to contain the pace and movement of Nigeria's wide players. He worked hard and threw himself into tackles but was often second best. It was a challenging night where the quality of the opposition was just too much at times.

Thabang Malane - 6.0: A solid display at the heart of the defense. He made some important blocks and clearances, especially in the first half. From our perspective, he was one of the better performers in a backline that was under constant duress.

Lehlohonolo Matsau - 5.5: Similar to his defensive colleagues, he was run ragged by the Nigerian forwards. He never gave up and continued to fight until the final whistle. However, he was part of a defense that ultimately conceded twice and lost the match.

T. Makhele - 6.0: Put in a real shift. He was tenacious in the tackle and tried to keep his defensive line organized. We noticed he was a vocal presence, constantly communicating with his teammates. A committed performance despite the result.

Rethabile Mokokoane - 6.0: Had a difficult job trying to balance defensive duties with providing an attacking outlet. He spent most of the match pegged back in his own half. He showed good energy levels but had little opportunity to influence the game in an attacking sense.

Midfielders

Tsepo Toloane - 6.5: A combative display in the middle of the park. He worked incredibly hard to close down space and disrupt Nigeria's rhythm. What stood out to us was his determination and willingness to get stuck in. He was a nuisance for the Nigerian midfield throughout.

Forwards

Sera Motebang - 6.0: It was a thankless task for the lone striker. He was isolated for most of the game, feeding off scraps. He held the ball up when he could and worked the channels, but he had very little service to work with before being substituted.

Substitutes

Hlompho Kalake - 7.5: What an impact! Came off the bench to score a great goal that gave his team a glimmer of hope. He looked lively and brought a new energy to Lesotho's attack. His goal was a moment of real quality and a reward for his team's spirited effort.

Other Substitutes - N/A: Tsepang Sefali, Neo Mokhachane and Mphale Mphalaole came on but had little time to make a significant impact on the game's outcome.

Manager

L. Notši - 7.0: From our perspective, he can be proud of his team. He set them up brilliantly to frustrate a much stronger opponent. His tactics were spot-on for the first hour, and his team showed incredible heart to score late on. A very commendable coaching performance that almost earned a shock result.

Sportsdunia's Player of the match is Adams