Lesotho head coach Leslie Notsi has shared a heartfelt moment following Nigerias 2–1 victory over his side in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier After the final whistle Notsi revealed that Nigeria coach Eric Chelle had offered kind words of praise and encouragement to the Lesotho team a gesture that touched both the coaching staff and the players .
According to Notsi Chelle told him that Lesotho had a very good team one that was competitive and tactically disciplined He described the compliment as humbling especially coming from a footballing nation as strong as Nigeria Notsi said the words meant a lot to him and his players because it showed that their hard work and discipline on the pitch were being recognized at the highest level He added that it was something he would share with his team to keep them motivated Notsi emphasized that the message served as a reminder to stay grounded continue improving and put even more effort into their work Chelles post match message according to Notsi was a gesture of respect toward Lesothos tactical awareness and fighting spirit qualities often overlooked due to the difference in reputation between the two nations .
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Match Recap and Stakes in Group C
The match took place in Polokwane South Africa where Nigeria managed to edge past Lesotho with a 2–1 victory that kept their World Cup qualification hopes alive Nigeria opened the scoring through a penalty by captain William Troost Ekong before Akor Adams doubled the lead in the 80th minute Lesotho pulled one back late in the game through Hompho Kalake creating a tense ending as they pushed hard for an equalizer Despite the late pressure the Super Eagles held on to secure a vital three points in their quest for qualification The win was considered crucial especially after recent struggles and criticism surrounding the teams performance in earlier matches .
Pressure Criticism and Tactical Choices
Nigerias coach Eric Chelle admitted that his players had been playing under immense pressure which he said had been building up since March He explained that the players often expressed how the weight of expectation affected their confidence on the field The Super Eagles had been heavily criticized for inconsistent performances and the victory over Lesotho brought some relief .
However controversy arose late in the game when Chelle substituted striker Victor Osimhen in the closing minutes Reports suggested that the Nigeria Football Federation was unhappy with the decision believing Osimhen should remain on the pitch in crucial moments unless injured The move sparked internal debate and reflected the high emotional and strategic stakes surrounding Nigerias qualification campaign .
Despite the scrutiny Chelle and Troost Ekong praised the teams resilience and mental strength commending the players for grinding out a win under intense pressure Troost Ekong also acknowledged Lesothos determination and discipline noting that Nigeria needed to improve their consistency in the remaining matches to secure qualification .
Notsis View Pride and Motivation
For Notsi Chelles words after the match were more than polite praise They symbolized recognition for a team that has often been underestimated He said it showed that Lesothos tactical setup and discipline were being noticed even by top tier football nations This acknowledgment according to Notsi serves as motivation for his squad to keep growing and working harder Although Lesotho is already out of contention for World Cup qualification Notsi remains proud of his teams progress He said they would take confidence from Chelles comments and use them as inspiration to build for the future .
Notsi stressed that humility and continuous improvement would remain central to their philosophy He highlighted that football is not only about results but also about respect and growth The exchange between him and Chelle he noted was an example of sportsmanship and mutual respect a reminder that football beyond competition can foster unity and encouragement .
What Lies Ahead in Group C
With the Lesotho game concluded attention now turns to the final and decisive matches in Group C Benin currently leads the group with 17 points followed by South Africa with 15 and Nigeria sits third with 14 points Lesotho is already out of the qualification race but their performance against Nigeria earned them admiration and respect .
For Nigeria to qualify automatically they must defeat Benin in their final game preferably by at least two goals while hoping that South Africa fails to secure maximum points against Rwanda A narrow one goal victory for Nigeria could lead to tiebreakers deciding their fate This scenario highlights how tight and unpredictable the group has become .
Every match and every moment now carries immense importance For Chelle his respectful words toward Lesotho could also serve as motivation for his own players reminding them that performance discipline and composure matter just as much as results .
Final Thoughts
Leslie Notsis revelation about what Eric Chelle told him after the match provides a rare and inspiring insight into the human side of football It shows that even in a high stakes competition like the World Cup qualifiers respect and humility can transcend rivalry For Lesotho Chelles praise stands as a badge of honor and a testament to their progress For Nigeria it serves as a reminder that every team deserves respect and that success often comes from a mix of determination strategy and mutual appreciation As the race for qualification heads toward its climax both nations will carry forward the lessons of that evening in Polokwane lessons of perseverance sportsmanship and shared respect .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should cross check updates from official news outlets .