By Ayegba James
Africa’s standout forwards, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, will spearhead Nigeria’s push for a vital win when the Super Eagles face the Crocodiles of Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, this evening.
The encounter marks the penultimate round of the qualifiers, and Nigeria must collect all three points to stay alive in the race for a World Cup ticket. The Eagles trail group leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa by three points, meaning victory in Polokwane — and help from elsewhere — is essential before the final home fixture against Benin in Uyo.
Coach Eric Chelle faces several injury setbacks, with Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, and Cyriel Dessers all sidelined. However, the return of Osimhen, who missed last month’s draw with South Africa through injury, boosts Nigeria’s attack. He reunites with Lookman and Moses Simon, the same trio that dazzled at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, offering pace, invention, and cutting edge.
Stanley Nwabali is expected to retain his spot in goal, while William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Zaidu Sanusi lead a solid defensive unit. Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf provide midfield options, while Chelle also has Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, and Tolu Arokodare available for attacking reinforcement.
Nigeria’s campaign remains precarious. With just two wins from eight matches — both against Rwanda — the Eagles sit third in Group C, behind Benin and South Africa on goal difference. While qualification is still mathematically possible, they must win both remaining games and hope South Africa drop points against Zimbabwe or Rwanda.
The Super Eagles were handed a lifeline last month when Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in March was overturned to a 3-0 defeat due to the ineligibility of midfielder Teboho Mokoena. That ruling narrowed the gap and kept Nigeria’s faint hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Lesotho, with nine points from eight games, also retain an outside chance of qualification but face an uphill battle. Despite being designated hosts, Leslie Notsi’s men must play their “home” match in South Africa and have recorded only one legitimate victory so far.
