Lesotho vs Nigeria – Preview & Score Prediction

Nigeria’s World Cup dream is still alive – barely. The Super Eagles must win against Lesotho to keep their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico alive.

Match Details:

• • Competition: CAF World Cup Qualification – Round 9
  • Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa
  • Date: Friday, October 10
  • Kick-off: 17:00 (GMT+1)
  • How to Watch: ESPN, BeIN Sports, SuperSport, CANAL+ Afrique, L’Équipe

 

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What’s at Stake

For Nigeria: Win or wave goodbye to the World Cup.
For Lesotho: A chance to save face and end their campaign with pride.

The Situation

• Nigeria sit third in Group C with 11 points, three behind Benin and South Africa.
• After South Africa’s three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, the group has been blown wide open.
• With two rounds to go, five nations are still mathematically in the race.
• The Super Eagles must win both matches (against Lesotho and Benin) and pray Bafana Bafana drop points against Zimbabwe or Rwanda.
  

Team News – Nigeria

• • Victor Osimhen returns and will spearhead the attack — he’s scored three goals so far in qualifying.
  • Ademola Lookman expected to start despite a slow start to his season at Atalanta.
  • Moses Simon likely to complete the front three.
  • Alex Iwobi remains key in midfield for creativity and control.
  • Ola Aina is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
  • Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche have been called up to replace Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers.
  • Coach Eric Chelle has urged focus: “We must win. Simple as that.”
  • Possible XI: Uzoho – Sanusi, Ajayi, Bassey, Ebuehi – Iwobi, Ndidi, Onyeka – Simon, Osimhen, Lookman

 

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Team News – Lesotho

• The Crocodiles are fifth in the group with nine points.
• Despite a mathematical chance, they’ve lost four in a row, conceding 14 goals and scoring none.
• Their only “win” came via South Africa’s points deduction.
• Motlomelo Mkwanazi has been their most productive player with one goal and one assist.
• Sera Motebang still searching for his first goal in qualifying.
• Keeper Sekhoane Moerane will need to be at his absolute best to keep Osimhen quiet.
• Possible XI: Moerane – Lesia, Nkau, Fothoane, Rasethuntsa – Mkwanazi, Malebanye, Lebusa – Motebang, Thabantso, Ngambi

Safest Calls

• Nigeria to win – Lesotho’s recent form is dreadful.
• Over 2.5 goals – Osimhen’s return adds serious firepower.
• Osimhen to score anytime – back the striker to deliver.
• Prediction: Lesotho 0–3 Nigeria.