Nigeria faces Lesotho in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier as the Super Eagles battle to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Get live scores, match updates, standings, and qualification scenarios from the CAF World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria face Lesotho in a must-win World Cup qualifier that could decide their 2026 dreams. Here’s everything you need to know — kickoff time, live score, team news, table, and Nigeria’s path to qualification.
🇳🇬 Nigeria vs Lesotho: Super Eagles in Do-or-Die World Cup Qualifier
Nigeria’s World Cup dreams hang in the balance as the Super Eagles take on Lesotho in a crucial CAF World Cup Qualifier clash in Polokwane.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers have reached a dramatic stage — and Nigeria must deliver to stay in the race.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C, behind Benin Republic and South Africa, in one of the tightest qualification groups in African football. Only the group winners qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while runners-up face the playoffs — leaving no room for error.
⚽ Match Details
- Fixture: Lesotho vs Nigeria
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
- CAF Qualifiers (Group C) Date:
- Friday, 10 October 2025 Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane,
- South Africa Kick-off: 5:00 PM (WAT) Live Broadcast: SuperSport Football Plus, FIFA+ (streaming)
🔥 Match Preview
Nigeria’s qualification campaign has been a rollercoaster. After draws against Lesotho (1–1) and Zimbabwe, and a shock 1–2 loss to Benin, the pressure is back on coach Finidi George and his men to revive their World Cup hopes.
The Super Eagles are banking on key players like William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and emerging star Akor Adams to deliver.
Meanwhile, Lesotho — one of the surprise packages of this qualifier — has proven to be more than just underdogs, having snatched points from heavyweights in earlier matches.
⚔️ Key Battles to Watch
Troost-Ekong vs Motebang Sera: Defensive resilience vs Lesotho’s pace. Akor Adams: The new Super Eagles striker looking to cement his place with a goal. Lookman & Osimhen: Expected to bring attacking power to break Lesotho’s low block.
Lesotho’s defensive structure has frustrated stronger teams, but Nigeria’s technical superiority and physical dominance should make the difference — if they take their chances.
🧠 Tactical Focus
Coach Finidi George is expected to set up in a 4-3-3 formation with a fluid midfield anchored by Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, while the wings will see Lookman and Simon Moses providing width.
Lesotho, coached by Leslie Notsi, will likely defend deep and rely on counter-attacks — aiming to frustrate and catch Nigeria on the break.
🗣️ Coach & Player Quotes
Finidi George (Nigeria Coach):
“We respect Lesotho, but our goal is clear — win and put our qualification back on track. Every match is now a final.”
William Troost-Ekong:
“The team knows what’s at stake. Nigerians deserve to see us at the World Cup.”
📊 Live Updates & Scores
Halftime: Lesotho 0 – 1 Nigeria (Troost-Ekong PEN) Fulltime: Lesotho 1 – 2 Nigeria (Kalake 73’ / Akor Adams 89’)
The Super Eagles snatched a late win through Akor Adams, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Nigeria jumps to second, one point behind Benin, with a decisive clash coming next.
🏁 What Next for the Super Eagles?
Nigeria’s next challenge is a must-win encounter against Benin Republic, where victory could seal their top spot and automatic World Cup qualification.
With South Africa still in contention and point deductions reshaping the table, every match from now on is a final.
📅 Nigeria’s Remaining Fixtures
Nigeria vs Benin — November 2025 Nigeria vs Rwanda — March 2026 South Africa vs Nigeria — June 2026
❓ Can Nigeria Still Qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes — and it’s in their hands. If Nigeria wins their last three games, they’ll almost certainly top the group.
A draw against Benin could complicate things, leaving them reliant on South Africa’s results.
The key? Consistency, composure, and capitalizing on chances.
🗞️ Latest Super Eagles News
William Troost-Ekong returns from injury to captain the squad. Akor Adams impresses on debut — fans hail new attacking hope. Finidi George under pressure: Can he deliver Qatar 2022 redemption in 2026?
📺 How to Watch Nigeria vs Lesotho Live
TV: SuperSport Football Plus, NTA Sports Online: FIFA+ and DStv Stream Kickoff: 5:00 PM (WAT)
📣 Conclusion
The Super Eagles have reignited their World Cup hopes with a crucial win over Lesotho. But the battle isn’t over — Nigeria must now conquer Benin to stay in control of their destiny.
The question remains: Can Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Fans will soon find out.