In a highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face off against Lesotho on Thursday evening at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Head coach Jose Peseiro has unveiled his formidable 23-man squad, featuring standout players such as Kelechi Iheanacho from Leicester City, Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, Alex Iwobi from Fulham, Frank Onyeka from Brentford, and Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi and Olaoluwa Aina, among others.
However, the Super Eagles will be without key players, including Victor Osimhen from Napoli, Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan, and Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City for the Lesotho encounter.
Nigeria and Lesotho have crossed paths three times since 2007, with the 2013 AFCON Champions emerging victorious in all three encounters. The West African giants are poised to maintain their winning streak against Leslie Notsi’s side.
Placed in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, Nigeria will face additional challenges against Zimbabwe, Benin, South Africa, and Rwanda.
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Having triumphed over Mozambique 3-2 and securing a 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia in their last friendly games in October, the Super Eagles head into the Lesotho clash with momentum.
Despite facing setbacks, including eight losses and five wins under Peseiro’s coaching tenure before the last two friendly games, the team is optimistic about its performance in the upcoming World Cup qualifier.
Wakanda FC midfielder, Alpha Markus Sidi, expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to secure a victory against Lesotho, highlighting key players such as Taiwo Awoniyi, Frank Onyeka, Ola Aina, and Ademola Lookman as ones to watch. Sidi predicted a 2-0 victory in favor of the Super Eagles.
The kickoff for the Nigeria vs. Lesotho match is set for 5 pm. Don’t miss the action as Nigeria strives for a strong start in the World Cup qualifying series on home turf.
