Nigeria have been handed a World Cup 2026 lifeline ahead of Friday’s penultimate qualifier against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane.
The game kicks off at 5:00 p.m. (Nigerian time) and will be live on SuperSport, AfroSport, and mobile streaming platforms.
Read Also: Troost-Ekong Rallies Super Eagles Ahead of Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Lesotho
Background and Context
The Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes appeared over after the September international break, but a major twist has revived their chances. South
Africa were docked points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho in March.
The development leaves Nigeria just three points behind Group C leaders Benin and South Africa, with two matches remaining.
While their fate is no longer entirely in their hands, Nigeria can still qualify if they win both remaining matches — against Lesotho and Benin — and South Africa drop points against Zimbabwe or Rwanda.
Currently, the Super Eagles sit third in Group C with two wins from eight games, both against Rwanda.
They trail Benin and South Africa only on goal difference, with up to five nations still mathematically capable of topping the group.
Lesotho’s Challenge
Lesotho, meanwhile, still have a faint mathematical chance of reaching their first-ever World Cup.
Leslie Notsi’s men sit fifth in the group with nine points from eight matches, benefiting from South Africa’s points deduction.
However, they have technically won only once on the field in the qualifiers.
Their ‘home’ games are also played in South Africa, putting them at a logistical disadvantage.
Despite that, the Crocodiles will aim to upset the Super Eagles and keep their slim qualification hopes alive.
Lesotho Key Players:
Motlomelo Mkwanazi – Scored in the reverse fixture against Nigeria and has been directly involved in two goals.
Sera Motebang – Yet to score in the qualifiers but remains a goal threat.
Sekhoane Moerane – The goalkeeper will be key to stopping Nigeria’s attack.
Nigeria Team News and Probable Line-up
The Super Eagles welcome back Victor Osimhen, he recoverd in time after he picked injury in last match against South Africa.
Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon are also expected to start, while Alex Iwobi will play a creative midfield role.
Ola Aina misses out through injury, while Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche return to the squad.
Predicted XI:
Nwabali; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman, Simon, Osimhen
Prediction and Expectations
While both sides have struggled in qualifying, Nigeria’s superior quality and Osimhen’s return should make the difference.
The Super Eagles are expected to secure a vital away win to keep their World Cup hopes alive heading into the final round against Benin.
Prediction: Lesotho 0–2 Nigeria
Match Details:
📍 Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa
🕔 Kick-off: 5:00 p.m. (Nigeria time)
📺 Live on: SuperSport, AfroSport, Mobile Link
