Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes hang in the balance as the Lesotho vs Nigeria clash kicks off on Friday, October 10, in a crucial qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
The three-time African champions sit third in CAF Group C, three points behind second-placed South Africa and trailing leaders Rwanda, Footballrover reports.
Lesotho vs Nigeria: Super Eagles Enter Must-Win Battle in Polokwane
With only the group winner guaranteed a ticket to next year’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico—and the best four runners-up heading into the playoffs—Nigeria must claim maximum points from their final two matches to keep this dream alive.
Friday’s showdown against Lesotho is the first of two decisive games that will define Nigeria’s qualification journey.
The final clash against Benin on October 14 in Uyo could become a do-or-die encounter if the Super Eagles fail to secure victory in Polokwane.
Eric Chelle’s side have endured a turbulent campaign, losing only once but drawing five of their eight qualifiers, a pattern that has left the team under terrible pressure.
The stakes have been heightened by South Africa’s ongoing appeal against a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player—a case that could still reshape the group standings.
Injury Blows, Suspension Woes and Osimhen’s Burden
The Super Eagles camp opened at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane on Monday, with 18 players reporting by Wednesday.
Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi and Montpellier striker Akor Adams were due to join later, while Alhassan Yusuf is expected on Thursday.
However, Russia-based winger Olakunle Olusegun remains stuck in visa delays, adding to Chelle’s growing selection headaches.
Nigeria are without Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina and have lost both Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers to injury.
The coach drafted in Sanusi and Crystal Palace loanee Christantus Uche as replacements, while Felix Agu was recently sidelined with an ankle issue. Full-back depth remains a concern.
Suspension risks loom large as well—Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Stanley Nwabali are all one yellow card away from missing the decisive Benin clash.
Amid these challenges, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen, whose prolific form at Galatasaray has made him Nigeria’s biggest hope.
The 26-year-old striker, who recently became Nigeria’s top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, is expected to lead the line in Chelle’s 4-2-3-1 setup, supported by Lookman, Simon, and Iwobi.
Predicted Nigeria Line-Up vs Lesotho
(4-2-3-1 Formation)
Nwabali (GK) — Onyemaechi, Fredericks, Bassey, Sanusi — Ndidi, Onyeka — Iwobi, Lookman, Simon — Osimhen
The Full Squad Invited
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adeleye Adebayo
Defenders: Calvin Bassey, William Ekong, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks, Zaidu Sanusi,
Midfielders: Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Wilfred Ndidi, Christantus Uche
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun
Two Finals to Save a World Cup Dream
For Nigeria, the trip to Polokwane is more than a routine qualifier — it is the first of two finals in their bid to reach the 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles last missed out on a World Cup in 2022, and failure to qualify again would be a major setback for a nation that sees itself as a powerhouse of African football.
Lesotho, already eliminated, will be playing for pride but could become spoilers. The hosts will look to frustrate a Nigerian side that has at times struggled to break down deep-sitting opponents during this qualifying run.
Match Details
Fixture: Lesotho vs Nigeria
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Kick-off: 5 p.m. local time
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane in South Africa
Competition: CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Referee: Alhadi Mahamat from Chad
The Super Eagles know that nothing short of victory in Polokwane will keep their qualification hopes in their own hands.
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