Nigeria must beat Lesotho today to keep their fading 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive
Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes hang in the balance as the Super Eagles face Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, on Friday. After a disappointing 1-1 draw against South Africa, Nigeria were handed a lifeline when FIFA docked points from Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player. The decision leaves the Eagles three points behind Benin and South Africa, with two matches left to play.
Head coach Éric Chelle urged his players to approach the game “aggressively and with full focus,” warning that “football is unpredictable” due to factors like weather and officiating. Nigeria, who have managed only two wins in eight qualifying matches, must beat Lesotho and hope South Africa falter in their remaining fixtures. The reverse encounter in Uyo ended 1-1, adding pressure on Nigeria to deliver this time. Kickoff is 6:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. Nigeria time).