On Thursday evening, Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, is set to face Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Head coach Jose Peseiro has already announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming match, featuring prominent players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Olaoluwa Aina from various European clubs.
Regrettably, Peseiro will be without key players such as Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Wilfred Ndidi for the match against Lesotho. Nigeria and Lesotho have faced each other three times since 2007, with Nigeria winning all three encounters. The Super Eagles are expected to continue this trend as they host Leslie Notsi’s side.
In Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, Nigeria will also compete against Zimbabwe, Benin, South Africa, and Rwanda. The team heads into this game after a 3-2 victory against Mozambique and a 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia in their last friendly matches in October. Despite losing eight games and winning five under Peseiro before the recent friendlies, expectations are high for a successful World Cup qualifying series.
Wakanda FC midfielder Alpha Markus Sidi expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances against Lesotho, emphasizing the team’s strength and ability to secure a win at home. Despite the absence of key players like Osimhen and Ndidi, Sidi highlighted players to watch, including Taiwo Awoniyi, Frank Onyeka, Ola Aina, and Ademola Lookman.
Sidi predicted a 2-0 victory for the Super Eagles in the upcoming match. The kickoff time for Nigeria vs Lesotho is scheduled for 5 pm.