A place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is at stake in CAF Qualification Group C, with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Benin and South Africa gunning for one spot, Soccernet.ng reports.
In a bid to progress, Eric Chelle's side have to defeat the Crocodiles of Lesotho and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, while hoping that South Africa can somehow drop points in their remaining games.
The stage is set for a clash tomorrow at the Peter Makoba Stadium, Polokwane, Pietersburg, South Africa, with kick-off time set for 17:00 local time.
Nigeria vs Lesotho: The journey so far
The Super Eagles have had three different coaches in their qualification journey, all in an effort to avoid the mistake that occurred in 2022 – Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, and Eric Chelle.
While the green and whites have lost just one game (the least in the group), they've also drawn the most games (5), winning just two games.
Lesotho, like Nigeria, have won just two games, defeating South Africa and Zimbabwe. The Crocodiles have also drawn three games and have accrued nine points from eight fixtures.
Head-to-head history
In the past six years, Nigeria have played against Lesotho three times. One of those games came earlier in the World Cup qualifier clash on Nigerian soil, with Jose Peseiro still in charge of the three-time African Champions.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Motlomelo Mkwanazi and Semi Ajayi sealing a point for both sides.
They previously met in the AFCON Qualifiers in 2019 and 2021, and the Super Eagles came out victorious on both occasions, sealing 3-0 and 4-2 wins over the South African nation.
Tactical outlook
Nigeria
Coach Eric Chelle‘s Super Eagles have shaped up in a 4-4-2 diamond, irrespective of the personnel involved, since the Franco-Malian tactician first experimented with the formation during the 2025 Unity Cup at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford.
Since then, it's been a go-to for the 47-year-old, and there's little doubt he'll tweak things ahead of the game against Lesotho.
Moses Simon usually plays off the left while Ademola Lookman occupies a central position with a striker ahead of him, most likely Victor Osimhen.
The full-backs are tasked with loading crosses into the box while the midfielders maintain a narrow shape to eliminate the opposition's attack.
Chelle's tactics, most times, have left the right side of Nigeria's attack desolate during games. This was evident against South Africa, and was the case in Nigeria's draw against Zimbabwe on home turf.
Lesotho
The Basotho play a 4-3-3 formation on the ball, a preference for Leslie Notši, who prefers his midfielders to stay compact when they're without the ball, switching to a back five, as one of the midfielders drops in to help the defenders.
Form
Nigeria have the third-best form, behind South Africa and the Republic of Benin, coming into Matchday 9 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Group C, with just one loss in their last five games. They've won two and drawn two.
Lesotho have lost three of their last five games, winning just one and then playing a 1-1 draw against Rwanda.
Match details
- Fixture: Lesotho vs Nigeria
- Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, Pietersburg, South Africa
- Kick-off: Friday, October 10, 16:00 GMT / 17:00 local time
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CAF Group C)
Notable absence
Nigeria: Ola Aina (Hamstring), Felix Agu (Syndesmosis ligament injury), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Foot injury), Cyriel Dessers (ankle injury), Fisayo Ayodele-Bashiru (femoral bicep lesion).
Lesotho: None.
Possible Lineup
Nigeria (4-4-2): Stanley Nwabali; Benjamin Fredrick, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman; Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen.
Lesotho (4-3-3): Sekhoane Moerane; Thabang Malane, Thabo Makhele, Siyabonga Monyaka, Fusi Matlabe; Lehlohonolo Matsau, Tsepo Toloane, Tshwarelo Bereng; Jane Thabantso, Katleho Makateng, Sera Motebang.
