- As hopes hang in the balance today
- Kick-off time 5:00pm Nigeria time
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – With the heat fully on, only an outright victory can keep alive Nigeria’s slim hopes of featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Super Eagles take on Lesotho in today’s crucial qualifiers.
Considered a last-chance match in this qualifying series, all eyes are on the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane in South Africa as the Super Eagles lock horns with the Crocodiles this evening.
Currently occupying the third spot in Group C, Nigeria must win to stay afloat in the qualification race and the Coach Eric Chelle’s men know that any slip-up is forbidden.
Almost certain to miss out on consecutive World Cup finals after their September 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, a lifeline surfaced for Nigeria when South Africa were docked points for fielding an ineligible player, thereby narrowing the gap at the top of Group C.
With two games remaining, that ruling reshaped the qualification race and kept alive Nigeria’s dreams. After garnering 11 points from eight matches, the Super Eagles are trailing the duo of Benin Republic and South Africa by three points.
Unbeaten in their last three games, including the 1-0 victory against Rwanda and their 1-1 draw in South Africa, Nigeria cannot afford to lose heading into the final match day 10 next week.
Many Nigerian fans may also be wishing that South Africa and Benin Republic slip up in their remaining games as there is still mathematical chance for any of the top four countries to emerge group winners.
The Super Eagles have all it takes to pocket all three points before their final showdown against Benin. So, a win in Polokwane is essential if their World Cup campaign must remain on course.
Optimism In Eagles’ Camp
Head Coach Éric Chelle and some Super Eagles stars are upbeat with confidence about their chances in today’s encounter.
Chelle said at a press conference in Polokwane on Thursday, that the Super Eagles will approach the game aggressively with full focus.
However, while insisting the squad is focused on securing all three points at stakes, the Coach said football is unpredictable, considering that factors such as weather, refereeing errors, and individual mistakes can influence outcomes.
Lesotho Out Of Contention
For Lesotho, who are placed fifth in the group, they have nothing left to play for in these qualifiers. Coming off four consecutive defeats, the team failed to score a single goal while conceding a whooping 14.
Unfortunately, the Crocodiles’ promising start in the qualifying series crumbled so easily in September, after suffering a 3-0 defeat to South Africa and also a humiliating 4-0 loss to Benin.
Group Standings
Benin top the group with 14 points and a +4 goal difference. South Africa are second on 14 points with a +2 goal difference while Nigeria are third on 11 points and a +2 goal difference, followed by Rwanda on 11 points and a neutral goal difference.
| Teams | P | W | D | L | Pts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 |
8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 17 | |||
| 2 |
|
8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 14 | |||
| 3 |
|
8 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 11 | |||
| 4 |
|
8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 11 | |||
| 5 |
|
8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | |||
| 6 |
|
8 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
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Head-To-Head With Lesotho
Since 2019, both sides have met on three occasions. Nigeria have won twice with one game ending in a draw.
Lesotho held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in their earlier fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on November 16, 2023, and will be looking to cause another upset in Polokwane.
