Nigeria look to keep hopes alive against Lesotho

Nigeria will face Lesotho in a must-win clash at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, as the nation continues chasing qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

CURRENT FORM

Lesotho sit second from the bottom in Group C with nine points, after winning two, losing three and drawing three games.

In September, the Crocodiles struggled in their qualifying fixtures, falling to South Africa 3-0 before losing 4-0 to top-of-the-group Benin.

Despite their standing in the group, the Crocodiles could mathematically still qualify for the World Cup. They sit five points behind both Benin and South Africa, who are at the top of Group C, and could overtake both teams should they both lose their remaining two fixtures and Lesotho win.

Nigeria are third in Group C, level with Rwanda on 11 points but ahead by two goals on goal difference.

The Super Eagles have only won two games in their qualifying campaign but have drawn five and lost only one, while South Africa and Benin have each lost two.

Game day minus 1. All focus, all hunger; we fight till the finish 💪🏽!#SoarSuperEagles #Naija4theWin pic.twitter.com/ZAAK0jhfnF

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 9, 2025

In their most recent outings, the Super Eagles beat Rwanda 1-0 before securing a 1-1 draw with South Africa.

Trailing the leaders by four points, Nigeria’s final two group games of qualification are must-win fixtures if the nation is to stand a chance of booking its place at the World Cup.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Lesotho - Thabo Makhele: Having played five of Lesotho’s eight qualifiers, Thabo Makhele brings much needed experience to the Crocodiles’ backline. The Siwelele defender will need to be on top of his game to keep Nigeria’s attack at bay.

Nigeria - Alex Iwobi: Alex Iwobi has been firing for Fulham in the Premier League, bagging one goal and two assists in seven games, but has been quiet for his national side. Iwobi has registered only one assist and no goals in Nigeria’s qualifying campaign and will be itching to contribute in the Super Eagles’ last games.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Games: 3

Lesotho wins: 0

Nigeria wins: 3

Draws: 1