The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner were the massive favourites against the lowly Crocodiles but Motlomelo Mkhwanazi gave the visitors the lead before Semi Ajayi saved Nigeria’s blushes with a late equaliser.
Head coach Jose Peseiro set up a heavily-attack minded team with Taiwo Awoniyi leading the charge while Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Boniface were to provide support in and around the box.
As expected, the Eagles were on the front foot from the blast of the referee’s whistle, with Taiwo Awoniyi having a slight sniff of goal in the opening few minutes but the chance was snuffed out by the Lesotho back line.
Despite Nigeria’s industry, Lesotho’s goalkeeper was not called upon to make any serious save until the 34th minute when Iheanacho tested his palm with a well-struck free-kick.
Moments later, Awoniyi missed another fine chance to get Peseiro’s men in front after good work from Boniface but the Nottingham Forest man sliced wide with the keeper beaten.
On the stroke of halftime, Lukman fired another effort at goal, but it was kept out as both sides headed for the dressing at the break deadlocked.
The Eagles came close to the opening goal in the opening half but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second period.
Motlomelo Mkhwanazi beat goalkeeper Uzoho with the Crocodiles’ first shot on target.
Nigeria needed a huge response and it arrived in the 67th minute when Semi Ajayi powered home a header off another fine Iheanacho cornerkick to hand the home team the equaliser.
Despite a late charge at Lesotho’s goal, Nigeria could not muster the winning goal as the Eagles settled for a disappointing draw.
