The clash, which marks Matchday 9 of the African qualifiers, comes at a critical stage for Nigeria, who currently sit third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches. The team’s campaign received a boost earlier this month when FIFA deducted three points and goals from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho in March — a development that has reopened the race for the group’s top spot.
Nigeria now trails joint leaders Benin Republic and South Africa by just three points, making Friday’s encounter a must-win affair for Eric Chelle’s side. The Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho in the reverse fixture last November in Uyo, a result that still lingers as a costly slip in their qualification journey.
Team Update
Head coach Eric Chelle has named a 23-man squad for the decisive fixtures, with a few late adjustments. Zaidu Sanusi replaces Bright Osayi-Samuel in defense, while forward Uche Christantus comes in for Cyriel Dessers.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the squad alongside Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun, all of whom return after brief absences from national duty.
In defense, Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Fredrick, Felix Agu, and Bruno Onyemaechi join the lineup, while Stanley Nwabali retains his spot as first-choice goalkeeper. Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, and Alhassan Yusuf form a sturdy midfield unit expected to control the tempo.
Up front, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen, who spearheads the attack alongside Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and promising new inclusion Gift Adams.
Group Outlook
Elsewhere in Group C, Benin Republic, managed by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, will travel to Kigali to face Rwanda, while South Africa host Zimbabwe in Durban. The results of those fixtures could significantly influence Nigeria’s path to qualification.
With only two games left, the Super Eagles’ fate may hinge not only on their performance but also on how their group rivals fare.
Match Details
- Fixture: Lesotho vs Nigeria
- Venue: New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa
- Date: Friday, 10 October 2025
- Time: 6:00 p.m. South Africa time (5:00 p.m. Nigeria time)
- Broadcast: Live on SuperSport, SportyBet TV, and AfroSport
For a team still chasing consistency after a turbulent qualification campaign, victory against Lesotho is non-negotiable. Anything less could leave Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions hanging by a thread.