The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Crocodiles of Lesotho on Matchday 9 of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 11 points from eight games, trailing joint leaders Benin Republic and South Africa by three points. Their qualification hopes were boosted after FIFA penalized South Africa, deducting three points and goals for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March 2025.
In the reverse fixture played in Uyo in November 2023, Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho.
Team Update
Coach Eric Chelle has named a 23-man squad, with late changes seeing Zaidu Sanusi replace Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Uche Christantus come in for Cyriel Dessers. Captain William Troost-Ekong returns alongside Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun.
Stanley Nwabali remains the first-choice goalkeeper, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye. Defenders include Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey.
The midfield features Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Alhassan Yusuf. Up front, Victor Osimhen leads the attack, joined by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and new invitee Gift Adams.
Match Details
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Date: Friday, 10 October 2025
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Venue: New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa
(Lesotho is hosting in South Africa due to FIFA’s ruling on stadium standards.)
With just two games remaining, Nigeria must win and hope for favorable results in other group matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.
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