Nigeria vs Lesotho: Super Eagles chase three points to keep World Cup hopes alive
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will spearhead Nigeria’s quest for three crucial points when the Super Eagles face Lesotho in a must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday evening.
The encounter is the penultimate game of the qualifying series, with Nigeria needing victory and favourable results elsewhere to stay in contention ahead of their final fixture against group leaders Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
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Currently three points adrift of first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, the Super Eagles must go all out in their remaining two matches, beginning with Friday’s clash on neutral ground against the Crocodiles.
Head coach Eric Chelle will be without wing-back Ola Aina, who was injured during the last outing against South Africa. Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, and Cyriel Dessers are also sidelined through injury.
However, Chelle is boosted by the return of Victor Osimhen, who missed the South Africa tie after picking up an injury against Rwanda in Uyo.
The attacking trio that impressed at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations, Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon, are all available for selection in this must-win game.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is expected to retain his place between the sticks, with William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, and Benjamin Frederick all competing for spots in defence.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, and Christantus Uche provide solid options.
Up front, Osimhen, Lookman, and Simon are likely to start, while Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, and Jerome Akor Adams offer Chelle further attacking depth from the bench.
