The Super Eagles of Nigeria will return to action this Friday as they face the Crocodiles of Lesotho in a must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. The encounter marks Matchday 9 of the African qualifying series and is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the fate of both sides in Group C.
Nigeria currently sits third in the group with 11 points after eight matches, recording two wins, five draws, and one defeat. The Super Eagles’ inconsistent campaign has left them trailing Rwanda and South Africa in the standings, making the tie against Lesotho a crucial opportunity to close the gap before the final round of fixtures.
Lesotho, on the other hand, occupy fifth place with nine points. Their position was strengthened after being awarded a controversial 3-0 victory over South Africa by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player. Despite being underdogs, the Crocodiles have shown resilience throughout the qualifying series and remain mathematically in contention for a playoff spot.
Super Eagles Seek Redemption After Mixed Result
Nigeria’s qualifying journey has been a tale of missed chances and narrow escapes. The team opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Lesotho at home — a result that set the tone for what has been a turbulent run. Since then, the Super Eagles have managed to grind out results but have struggled to convert dominance into victories.
Their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw against South Africa in Johannesburg, a result that further complicated their chances of automatic qualification. With only two games left in the series, Nigeria’s margin for error has effectively disappeared. The team must secure maximum points from both remaining fixtures to have a realistic shot at reaching the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Coach Finidi George is expected to make tactical adjustments ahead of the tie, with reports indicating that several key players have returned from injury. The midfield remains a focal point for improvement, as Nigeria has struggled to maintain control in the middle of the park. The likes of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will be relied upon to deliver the goals that have eluded the team in previous matches.
Lesotho, meanwhile, have grown in confidence under coach Veselin Jelusic. Although they have managed just two wins in the group, their defensive organization and counter-attacking efficiency have earned them respect across the continent. Their 2-1 win over Benin earlier in the campaign and the awarded victory over South Africa have given them belief that an upset against Nigeria is possible.
Time, Venue, and Broadcast Information
The Lesotho vs Nigeria clash is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. Kick-off is set for 5:00 PM Nigerian time (4:00 PM local time in South Africa).
The match will be broadcast live on DStv (SuperSport), StarTimes, Sporty TV, FIFA+, and beIN Sports, ensuring fans across Africa and beyond can follow every moment of the action.
For Nigerian supporters, this fixture represents more than just another qualifier — it is a test of character and ambition. The Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the World Cup only once in the last three decades, missing the 2022 edition in Qatar. A repeat of that disappointment would be considered unacceptable by fans and analysts alike.
As the group nears its conclusion, Nigeria’s path to qualification remains uncertain but far from impossible. Victories in the final two matches, starting with Lesotho, would put them back in contention for a top-two finish, depending on results elsewhere in the group.
Lesotho, buoyed by the rare walkover awarded by FIFA, will look to frustrate their more illustrious opponents and exploit any defensive lapses. The Crocodiles’ compact style and counter-attacking play could pose real danger if Nigeria fails to stay organized at the back.
A Defining Moment Ahead
Friday’s fixture will test not only Nigeria’s tactical discipline but also their mental resolve. With pressure mounting from fans and stakeholders, the Super Eagles must rediscover their killer instinct in front of goal and show the dominance that has long defined Nigerian football on the continent.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, the focus remains on whether the Super Eagles can rise above their recent struggles and reignite their World Cup dream. The stakes are high in Polokwane, and for Nigeria, anything less than victory could spell the end of another qualification campaign.
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