Former Super Eagles midfielder, Friday Ekpo, has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign, insisting that Lesotho’s rise cannot be ignored despite FIFA’s punishment of South Africa.
The deduction of three points and three goals from Bafana Bafana has reshuffled Group C and revived Nigeria’s hopes. But Ekpo is urging caution. “People think this is only between Nigeria and South Africa. That’s a mistake. Lesotho now has 11 points, and if they win their next home game, they can overtake us,” he said.
Read Also: Olugboji Sounds Alarm: Super Eagles Must Win Final Two Qualifiers or Forget 2026
Ekpo warned that Nigeria’s over-reliance on FIFA’s ruling could be dangerous if the players fail to focus. “We can’t celebrate too early. This is still a very tight group. The Eagles need six points from their last two games — nothing less.”
The former international also predicted that South Africa, despite the sanction, will be more dangerous than ever. “They will be motivated to prove themselves. Rwanda too are no pushovers. Nigeria must be clinical, organized, and mentally strong.”
Ekpo believes that qualification is still possible, but only with total concentration. “We have the quality, but the players must show hunger. The World Cup is not handed to anyone — it’s earned,” he emphasized.
For now, the FIFA ruling has given Nigeria fresh hope. But Ekpo’s message is clear: only results on the pitch will decide if the Eagles soar to the World Cup or crash out in disappointment.
