The senior national team of Nigeria needed a goal from West Brom defender Semi Ajayi to salvage a point as they battled to a 1-1 draw against Lesotho in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, OwnGoalnigeria.com reports.
The first half ended 0-0 with both teams, Nigeria in particular presented with chances upon chances to take the lead before the break.
Nigeria went into the game as favourite to win and go top of the group but found themselves trailing when the visitors stunned the Godswill Akpabio stadium with the opening goal with Motlomelo Mkwanazi rising highest to head home the opener from a corner kick in the 56th minute.
With Nigeria struggling to create any meaningful chance, head coach Jose Peseiro turned to Moses Simon and he wasted no time in making his mark after coming on for the ineffective and wasteful Ademola Lookman.
He forced a corner kick from which Semi Ajayi drew Nigeria level with a firm header from a Kelechi Iheanacho delivery from corner kick in the 67th minute. The goal ended as what saved the Super Eagles from an embarrassing defeat to minnow Lesotho.
