Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup remain alive as they prepare to face Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday. After missing out on the last edition in Qatar, the Super Eagles know that nothing short of victory will be enough if they are to keep their qualification dream alive, Softfootball reports.
Eric Chelle’s side appeared all but out of contention after a 1-1 draw against South Africa last month left them six points adrift of Hugo Broos’s men. However, the gods of football smiled on the three-time African champions when FIFA overturned South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho from March due to Teboho Mokoena’s ineligibility. The result was changed to a 3-0 defeat for Bafana Bafana, giving Nigerians hope once again as the qualifiers enter the decisive stage.
Despite this luck, Nigeria’s qualification fate is still not entirely in their hands. They must win both remaining games against Lesotho and Benin Republic and will be hoping that South Africa drop points in their upcoming fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with two wins from eight games, both coming against Rwanda, level on points with Rwanda and two behind leaders Benin and South Africa on goal difference.
Lesotho host the Super Eagles in Polokwane knowing their hopes of qualifying for a first-ever World Cup are slim but not totally impossible. Leslie Notsi’s side currently sit fifth in Group C with nine points from eight matches, boosted by the awarded 3-0 win over South Africa.
They trail Benin and South Africa by five points and Nigeria and Rwanda by two, meaning victory against the Super Eagles is crucial to keeping their faint hopes alive. However, their form offers little encouragement Lesotho have technically won just one of their last eight games, and even that came via administrative decision rather than on-field performance.
Team News
All attention will be on Victor Osimhen, who now plays for Galatasaray and recently scored the winner against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. Nigerians will be counting on the striker to replicate that kind of form for the Super Eagles as they push for World Cup qualification after missing the 2022 edition.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles of Nigeria players understand the importance of this game and what it means to the hopes of Nigerians who are eagerly anticipating their qualification, the Super Eagles official X handle, seemed to understand this tense situation as they shared exclusive video of team captain, William Troost- Ekong, who assures Nigerians they understand their responsiblities and the importance this fixtures holds and promise not to let Nigerians downs. Watch the full video below;
Equally important to Nigeria’s dream of qualifying is Tolu Akorade, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from Genk this summer. The forward has been one of Nigeria’s best players in the qualifiers, scoring the only goal in their 1-0 win over Rwanda after Osimhen was forced off injured. Akorade’s sharp movement, physical presence, and composure in front of goal have made him Nigeria’s most reliable attacking option in recent games.
For Lesotho, Jane Thabantso will be the man to watch. The 29-year-old midfielder is known for his composure on the ball and his ability to influence play in the final third. He will be eager to deliver a standout performance against Nigeria and possibly get on the scoresheet to keep his side’s slim qualification hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Lesotho football association via its official X handle, released the official squad list to face Nigeria and Zimbabawe at the ongoing 2026 World cup qualifiers, they posted;
Also in goal, Sekhoane Moerane could prove decisive. The experienced shot-stopper will have to be at his very best to keep Nigeria’s dangerous front line at bay. His reflexes and command of the box will be crucial if Lesotho are to frustrate the Super Eagles in Polokwane.
Possible Lineups
Lesotho possible starting lineup:
Moerane; Malane, Mkwanazi, Makhele, Matlabe; Rapuleng, Matsau; Mokachane, Toloane, Thabantso; Sera
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Simon, Osimhen
Nigerians will be hoping luck continues to be on their side as their fate of qualification is no longer in their hands, but they know they must still win their remaning two games and hope there is a miracle somewhere out there, the super eagles seems to understand this as the team via their official X handle, shared a video of the players in a training session after arriving in South Africa for the crucial clash, watch the video below;
SoftFootball Prediction
The Super Eagles’ quality in attack should prove too strong for the Crocodiles, with Osimhen and Akorade likely to make the difference.
Final score: Lesotho 0 -2 Nigeria
