Injury crisis hit Nigeria ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin

Nigeria are sweating over the injuries of several key players ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualification games against Lesotho and Benin.

The Super Eagles will play host to Lesotho on October 10 before wrapping up the qualifiers with a crucial game against log leaders Benin on October 14, 2025.

The Nigeria contingent has already touched down in Polokwane, South Africa as they gear up for the game against Lesotho on Friday. Head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew arrived at The Ranch Hotel on Monday, with players jetting in from their clubs across Europe and Asia to Johannesburg for upcoming game.

Nigeria will commence preparation for the much-anticipated game on Tuesday before taking on Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in the Group C showdown.

Ahead of the game, the Super Eagles has been hit by injuries in defense. Right-back Felix Agu, who was set to replace the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel, has been ruled out after sustaining an ankle injury for Werder Bremen.

Felix Agu is expected to be sidelined for several months after undergoing scans. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s first-choice right-back, Ola Aina, is also unavailable until December.

Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi remains under medical observation after a shaky performance for Beşiktaş, where he lost possession that led to an equaliser in the Istanbul derby.

Even with the defensive setbacks, Nigeria’s attack is firing on all cylinders. Victor Osimhen looks sharp after returning from injury – he scored the winner against Liverpool in the Champions League. Akor Adams was also great in Spain – he netted Sevilla’s fourth goal in a 4-1 win over Barcelona, with Chidera Ejuke providing the assist.

Chelle’s other major concern is discipline. At least 11 players — including Ajayi, Bassey, Ndidi, Iwobi, and Lookman — are one yellow card away from suspension, risking their participation in the final group match against Benin Republic in Uyo.

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 11 points, three behind Benin and South Africa. Their qualification hopes were boosted after CAF overturned South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player.