Lesotho national team coach Leslie Notsi has explained why his players were inconsolable after their game with Nigeria at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday.
Likuena lost 2-1 to the Super Eagles in the penultimate round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group C to remain second from bottom in the pool with nine points from as many matches.
Meanwhile, Nigeria remained in third position with 14 points from the same number of games and in with a shot at qualifying for the global showpiece to be hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada.
Lesotho had held Nigeria goalless at the break and had two opportunities towards the end of the game to equalise when they were trailing 2-0.
But it wasn’t to be as they still endured the defeat and their coach said they wanted to win so bad hence the tears after the final whistle.
Also Read: 2026 WCQ: Why We Gave Our All Against South Africa –Zimbabwe Head Coach, Nees
“Yes, we wanted it more,” said Notsi (via Idiski Times).
“And this was a game whereby we said look, we need to go out there enjoy the game, dig deep because we knew that we are going to dig deep. And like I said earlier, creating those goal scoring opportunities and missing the manner in which we missed, yes, the boys felt like they have disappointed themselves, disappointed the supporters.
“But at the end of the day, we learn from those kind of things, and it makes us a better team in terms of competitiveness. So there are a lot of good truly that we can take out of this match.”
10 Comments
Wait o? Is it not those 2 errors from nwabali that gave them chances of goal attempt? The coach is talking as if they were able to create so many scoring opportunities.
If it is the last minute gift from nwabali which they missed is the one that made them cry. That’s understandable
Lesotho players are crying because they lost 2_1. That should tell us all we need to know about football in Nigeria.
Wao, you have tried so much, please put more efforts to make sure you destroy Bafa Bafa to revenge,so go and do that.God almighty will help you.Now if you can not beat them draw them to redeem your image.so make it do or die .
NO BI YOUR FAULT IF NOT GOAL KEEPER MISTAKE, CAN YOU NOT ALSO SEE WE HIT THE POST TWICE,
Why didnt they cried when they donated points to south Africa 5; 0 and Benin 3; 0
Because NFF has destroyed Nigeria football to the point that they now see Nigeria as nation they can beat.
Of course your boys will cry since you don’t have any ambition to play in the world cup but you were working for south Africa. You didn’t lodge any protest to fifa but you did everything to inorder to aid south Africa Qualification.
Learn from Zimbabwe. Fairness is paramount in international football. I hate teams that subvert fifa rules on fair play.
Why them no go cry? U know how much SA don promise them before the match? Super eagles don spoil market for them na
Ca. You imagine, Lesotho crying for not beating Nigeria. NFF, can you see yourself.
Instead of Lesotho to be jubilating that the goal margin is not much.
Nigeria need to wake up
Imagine that!
Nigeria must be one of the most hated nations in the world – unnecessary hatred for no reason because apart from being born hustlers and people who will aggressively pursue their own dreams and ambitions, they are actually very good, kind, and harmless, hardworking people.
But now look at the complete insult we have to endure from the whole world, see these minnows for instance – if it weren’t for bastard NFF, will ordinary Lesotho be crying because they lost to the SE? In the past, a team like this would not even be allowed to enter the same pitch with the SE’s let alone the same competition.
The problem with Nigeria is its leaders in every capacity – in this case the thieves holding the keys to the Glass House. Also, SA is the Russia of Africa, their hands are very dirty! But one day one day!…..I will leave it there
Maybe money was promised from some quarters