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
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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.
