2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Lesotho coach Leslie Notsi names 23-man squad for Nigeria, Zimbabwe clash

Lesotho head coach Leslie Notsi has announced a 23-man squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, to be staged at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

The fixtures are scheduled for Thursday, October 10, and Sunday, October 13, with Notsi expressing confidence that his side can secure valuable points from the double-header.

The squad is made up of three goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders, and three forwards. Nineteen of the players are home-based, while two ply their trade in South Africa, one in Namibia, and another in Botswana.

Lesotho enter the clash against the Super Eagles with renewed belief after FIFA awarded them three points and three goals, following South Africa’s use of ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in an earlier qualifier.

Nigeria, on the other hand, face mounting pressure after being held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho in the first leg, a setback that could weigh heavily on their World Cup qualification hopes.

The Likuena squad is expected to arrive in Polokwane on Monday to intensify preparations ahead of the decisive fixtures.

As things stand in the group, Benin Republic and South Africa lead with 14 points each, followed by Nigeria and Rwanda on 11 points, Lesotho with nine, and Zimbabwe at the bottom with four points.

All national teams will be aiming to win their matches this month for a strong finish to the qualifiers.