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Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria: Super Eagles secure massive win to keep World Cup hopes alive
The Super Eagles are fighting an uphill battle as they look to come from behind and secure a place at the 2026 World Cup. They came into the affair three points shy of Benin and South Africa, who sat second and third in the group.
A goalless draw for Bafana Bafana, though, meant the Super Eagles took a huge step closer to securing a spot at the summer tournament with one qualifier left to play. Benin’s win, though, has them as favourites for an automatic berth as they visit Nigeria on the final matchday.
This was expected to be a routine outing for the Super Eagles, but, in reality, it was anything but. Nigeria were thoroughly uncreative in the first half, resorting to long balls with limited effect as they struggled to break down their hosts.
The second half was a very similar story. The visitors heaped pressure on their opponents, but despite having Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare as twin strikers with Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi in supporting roles, they could not convert territory into goals.
The breakthrough finally came ten minutes into the second period, though, as a handball from Lesotho’s Motlomelo Mkwanazi gifted a penalty to the visitors. Despite having prolific striker Osimhen in reserve, captain and centre-back Troost-Ekong stepped up, but converted with aplomb.
There was another penalty shout moments later as Wilfred Ndidi was tripped in the box, but the referee waved his appeals away.
Sevilla forward Adams, making his debut, did well to beat his man and finish low to double Nigeria’s lead as the match wound down, but there was still more drama in store.
Hlompho Kalake pulled one back for Lesotho in the late stages to set up a frantic finish, capitalising on a clumsy clearance from Stanley Nwabali, but despite more dreadful Nigeria defending, the all-important second goal eluded the Crocodiles.
The result ends Lesotho’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
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OsunDecides2026: ‘Protect our votes, respect our mandate,’ Adeleke urges Tinubu, security operatives
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies deployed for the governorship election to protect the integrity of the electoral process as collation of results begins.
Adeleke made the appeal in a post on X on Saturday evening, expressing concern over alleged attempts to disrupt or hijack collation centres across the state.
Addressing Tinubu, the governor said, “It is imperative that you use your good office to issue a clear warning to the heads of security agencies deployed to protect the good people of Osun State and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.”
He said reports of alleged attempts to disrupt collation centres by politicians were “deeply concerning and unacceptable,” given the number of security personnel deployed for the election.
Adeleke urged the President to reiterate his commitment to ensuring that votes cast by Osun residents count and that the final outcome reflects their choice.
“I therefore implore you to reiterate the commitment made to the people of Osun State that their votes will count and that the outcome of this election will reflect their genuine choice,” he said.
The governor specifically called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to adhere to the directive, while urging that the Independent National Electoral Commission receive the necessary support to complete the process.
“The Nigeria Police, DSS, Nigerian Army, NSCDC and other security agencies must strictly adhere to this directive, while INEC must be given every necessary support to conclude the process and deliver a credible and transparent outcome,” Adeleke said.
He added, “The people of Osun State have spoken with one voice, and their voices must be heard. Their votes must be protected, and their mandate must be respected.”
Adeleke also commended voters for turning out for the election and urged security agencies to remain vigilant as results move from polling units to wards and local government collation centres.
“Against all odds, the people of Osun State have turned out in large numbers and are speaking with one voice. The safety and protection of our people is paramount,” he said.
“I commend the security agencies deployed for this election and urge them to remain vigilant as we move into the collation of results; from polling units to wards to local government areas.”
The governor further called on INEC to maintain high standards throughout the collation process.
“I also call on INEC to uphold the highest standards of integrity throughout this process,” he said.
Nigerian musician, David Adeleka, also known as Davido has asked President Bola Tinubu to call members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to order.
Davido made the call in a post on his verified X handle on Saturday as sorting and announcement of election results were ongoing.
His call stemmed from the allegation that ‘thugs’ of the Osun State Chapter of the APC stormed GOF junction, Osogbo the state capital to disrupt Ward 4 and 5 election results.
“Mr President, call your people to order. Osun APC thugs have invaded GOF junction, Osogbo to disrupt Ward 4 and 5 results.
“They have seen defeat and they are now trying to destroy ballot papers and boxes. Osogbo people will resist them.
“They want to start attacking everywhere. Osun people, mount your votes,” he tweeted.
The Accord Party has secured victory at the polling unit of former Osun State Deputy Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore, in the ongoing governorship election.
Results published on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Result Viewing Portal, IReV, showed that Accord polled 131 votes at Polling Unit 003, Ife Ward 1, Moore, St. Gabriel Primary School, Ife East Local Government Area.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, came second with 85 votes, while the African Democratic Congress, ADC, received 10 votes. Other political parties recorded only marginal votes.
The result adds to a series of early victories recorded by Accord in the election.
Earlier, the party also won at the polling unit of former Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, where it secured 125 votes.
At the same polling unit, APC garnered 85 votes, while ADC polled five votes.
INEC has continued to upload results to the IReV portal as collation progresses across the state.
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