World Cup lifeline: Nigeria seek crucial win over Lesotho to revive qualification hopes
Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes hang in the balance as the Super Eagles prepare to face Lesotho in a must-win encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday at 16:00 GMT.
The three-time African champions were handed an unexpected reprieve after FIFA docked South Africa points for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March.
The ruling reversed the result to a 3-0 defeat for Bafana Bafana, leaving Nigeria just three points behind both South Africa and Benin heading into the penultimate round of matches in Group C.
Eric Chelle’s men had appeared out of contention following last month’s 1-1 draw against South Africa, but the disciplinary twist has reignited their faint hopes.
With two matches left, Nigeria must beat Lesotho and then Benin while hoping their rivals drop points to secure automatic qualification for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Super Eagles have endured an unconvincing qualifying campaign, collecting only two wins from eight games — both against Rwanda — and failing to find consistency in front of goal.
However, the return of star striker Victor Osimhen provides a major boost. The Galatasaray forward, who has scored three times in the qualifiers, is expected to spearhead the attack alongside Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon.
Alex Iwobi is likely to anchor midfield creativity, while the defence will miss Ola Aina through injury.
Lesotho, meanwhile, still harbour a slim mathematical chance of progressing, though their task is monumental.
The Crocodiles, coached by Leslie Notsi, sit fifth with nine points but have only one on-field victory in qualifying — a result later overturned in their favour due to South Africa’s ineligibility error.
Playing their ‘home’ fixture in South Africa, they will rely on goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane and forward Sera Motebang to inspire an upset.
For Nigeria, the equation is simple: win to stay alive. Anything less than three points in Polokwane could end their World Cup dream before the final round of qualifiers.
