Nigeria To Face Lesotho In FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Super Eagles Face Lesotho in Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier on Friday

Polokwane, South Africa — October 10, 2025:
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Crocodiles of Lesotho on Friday in a decisive Matchday 9 clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers, as the race for a ticket to the global showpiece nears its climax.

Nigeria, currently third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, trail Benin Republic and South Africa by three points. The stakes are high, with only two games left to secure qualification.

FIFA Sanction Boosts Nigeria’s Chances

Earlier this week, Nigeria’s qualification hopes were revived after FIFA deducted three points and three goals from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their March 2025 fixture against Lesotho.

The disciplinary decision means South Africa drop in the standings, tightening the group and giving the Super Eagles a fresh lifeline ahead of their final fixtures.

Flashback: Revenge on the Cards

The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw on November 16, 2023, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. That result left Nigerian fans frustrated — and Coach Eric Chelle’s men will be eager to set the record straight this time around.

Team News: Late Changes in the Super Eagles Squad

Coach Eric Chelle has announced a 23-man squad for the remaining qualifiers, featuring two late changes.

Zaidu Sanusi replaces Bright Osayi-Samuel at right-back.
Uche Christantus comes in for Cyriel Dessers in attack.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong is set to marshal the defense alongside Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Felix Agu, while Stanley Nwabali retains his spot between the posts.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf will control play, providing the platform for Nigeria’s explosive attack led by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Terem Moffi.

Rising stars Gift Adams and Olakunle Olusegun have also been called up, offering additional attacking options from the bench.

Opponents’ Outlook: Lesotho Aim to Frustrate Nigeria Again

Lesotho, who cannot host matches at home due to CAF stadium compliance issues, will play their “home” fixture at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

The Crocodiles, who earned a surprise draw in their last meeting with Nigeria, are expected to set up defensively as they look to upset the group standings again.

Other Key Group C Fixtures

The outcome of Nigeria’s clash with Lesotho could be influenced by results from other Group C matches:

Benin Republic, coached by former Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr, face Rwanda in Kigali.
South Africa will host Zimbabwe in Durban.

A win for Nigeria, combined with favorable results elsewhere, could see the Super Eagles leap back into the top two.

Match Details

Fixture: Lesotho vs Nigeria
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CAF)
Venue: New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Kick-off: 6:00 p.m. (South Africa) / 5:00 p.m. (Nigeria)
Live Broadcast: DSTV SuperSport, SportyBet TV, and AfroSport

Summary

With FIFA’s disciplinary ruling reshaping Group C and qualification hopes reignited, Nigeria’s clash with Lesotho is more than just a qualifier — it’s a defining moment for Coach Eric Chelle’s side. Victory on Friday could put the Super Eagles back on course for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.