Why My Players Cried After Loss To Super Eagles - Lesotho Coach Explains

Why My Players Cried After Loss To Super Eagles - Lesotho Coach Explains 

By BSN Sports 

Lesotho head coach Leslie Notsi has shed light on the emotional scenes following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in the penultimate round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, describing the result as a heartbreaking end to a match his players believed they could win.

The loss leaves Lesotho second from bottom in Group C with nine points from nine matches, effectively ending their hopes of qualification for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Nigeria, meanwhile, moved up to third place in the group, keeping their qualification hopes alive with 14 points.

Despite holding the Super Eagles to a goalless first half and creating several key chances late in the game—particularly after falling 2-0 behind—Lesotho were unable to convert their opportunities and mount a comeback.

Speaking to iDiski Times, Notsi said his players were devastated by the result, not only because of the loss but because of how close they came to achieving a result that would have been historic for the team. “Yes, we wanted it more,” Notsi said. “This was a game where we told ourselves to enjoy it, but also to dig deep. We created good scoring opportunities, especially towards the end, and the way we missed them hurt deeply.”

 “The boys felt like they had disappointed themselves and the supporters. That’s why they were so emotional. But this is also part of growth—we learn from such experiences, and it strengthens our competitiveness.”

Despite the disappointment, Notsi highlighted several positives from the match and expressed confidence in the team’s development moving forward.