Super Eagles face do-or-die match against Lesotho in 2026 World Cup qualifier

‎The Super Eagles take on Lesotho today at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
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‎Nigeria’s campaign has been tough so far, with two wins, five draws, and one loss. They currently sit third in Group C with 11 points, behind Benin and South Africa, who top the group with 14 points each.
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‎Nigeria’s hope for qualification revived recently after South Africa was penalized for fielding an ineligible player, narrowing the gap.
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‎However, the Eagles must win this game and hope other results go their way to keep their World Cup dream alive.
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‎The match is a must-win for Nigeria, as draws or losses would seriously harm their chances of reaching the finals.
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‎Lesotho, who drew 1-1 with Nigeria in the first leg in Uyo, will be eager to repeat that result and cause an upset.
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‎Head coach Eric Chelle urged his team to start aggressively and stay focused throughout the game, pointing out the unpredictability of football due to weather, refereeing decisions, and other factors.
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‎Chelle insisted the team must remain committed to securing all three points. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. South African time, that is approximately 5 p.m. Nigerian time.
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