Lesotho will face Nigeria at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, October 10, 2025, in an important CAF Group C qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles qualification hopes have been revived after FIFA deducted South Africa three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their 2–0 win over Lesotho in March. The result was overturned to a 3–0 defeat, reducing South Africa’s tally and throwing Group C wide open.
That ruling gave Nigeria a lifeline. Eric Chelle’s side, who were six points behind after the September international break, are now just three points adrift of the top two and can still qualify if they win their remaining fixtures and hope results elsewhere go their way.
Match Details
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CAF – Group C)
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Kickoff Time: 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT)
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa
Stadium Capacity: 45,264
TV & Streaming: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport MáXimo 3, DStv Now, SuperSport 14 Africa, Sporty TV
Head-to-Head Record
Nigeria has dominated this fixture over the years, winning two of the last three meetings and drawing once. Lesotho has never beaten the Super Eagles.
Last Three Meetings:
- November 16, 2023: Nigeria 1–1 Lesotho (World Cup Qualifiers)
- March 30, 2021: Nigeria 3–0 Lesotho (AFCON Qualifiers)
- November 17, 2019: Lesotho 2–4 Nigeria (AFCON Qualifiers)
Overall Record:
- Lesotho – 0 wins
- Draws – 1
- Nigeria – 2 wins
Team Form
Lesotho – Last 5 Matches: L L W L L
Lesotho has struggled for consistency, failing to score in their last two matches. Heavy defeats to Benin (4–0) and South Africa (3–0) exposed their defensive frailties. They remain competitive in spells but lack attacking sharpness.
Nigeria – Last 5 Matches: D W W L L
Nigeria’s performances have improved under Eric Chelle. The Super Eagles drew 1–1 with South Africa and beat Rwanda 1–0 in their last two games, showing better balance and determination. With the group now finely poised, a win in Polokwane is vital.
Lesotho Team News
Coach Leslie Notsi’s side will look to stay organized defensively and frustrate Nigeria’s attack.
Key players Motebang Sera, Tšepo Toloane, and Thabo Lesaoana will be relied upon for experience and leadership.
Lesotho’s biggest challenge is in attacking; they have not scored in their last four games.
Nigeria Team News
Head coach Eric Chelle has called up a 23-man squad for the final two qualifiers.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the team, supported by Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Victor Osimhen.
Chelle made two late changes to the initial squad, with Zaidu Sanusi replacing the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel and Uche Christantus coming in for Cyriel Dessers.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remains first choice, with Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye providing cover.
Injuries to Ola Aina and Felix Agu limit Nigeria’s defensive options, but the team’s depth in midfield and attack offers several solutions.
Predicted Lineups
Lesotho (4-3-3):
GK: Sekhoane Monyane
RB: Thabo Lesaoana
CB: Mohau Kuenane
CB: Kopano Makepe
LB: Motlalepula Mofolo
CDM: Tšepo Toloane
CM: Malefetsane Joele
CM: Thaba-Ntso
RW: Ramasimong Moshoeshoe
LW: Thaba Kamohelo
ST: Motebang Sera
Nigeria (4-2-3-1):
GK: Stanley Nwabali
RB: Bruno Onyemaechi
CB: William Troost-Ekong (C)
CB: Calvin Bassey
LB: Zaidu Sanusi
CDM: Wilfred Ndidi
CM: Frank Onyeka
RW: Samuel Chukwueze
CAM: Alex Iwobi
LW: Ademola Lookman
ST: Victor Osimhen
Key Players to Watch
Lesotho
- Motebang Sera: Their most dangerous forward and focal point in attack.
- Tšepo Toloane: Vital in midfield transitions and set pieces.
Nigeria
- Victor Osimhen: Nigeria’s top striker, is back and will pose a significant threat to Lesotho’s defense.
- Ademola Lookman: His a known threat in attack and does well with Osimhen
- Alex Iwobi: Operates as a playmaker, linking midfield to attack. Iwobi was a key player for Fulham before the international break.
Stats to Watch
- Lesotho has not scored in their last four matches.
- Nigeria are unbeaten in their last three qualifiers.
- Nigeria has scored one or more goals in every meeting with Lesotho.
- Lesotho has conceded 14 goals in their last 5 matches.
Prediction
Nigeria are favorites, but they cannot afford another slip-up. Lesotho will aim to stay compact and frustrate them early, yet the Super Eagles’ superior quality should make the difference.
Expect a determined performance from Eric Chelle’s men, who will push hard for maximum points to take the qualification race into the final round.
Predicted Score: Lesotho 0–2 Nigeria
Betting Tips
- Nigeria to win: With Victor Osimhen back in the Super Eagles squad, Nigeria should be able to grab a win even though it’s away from home
- Over 1.5 goals: Lesotho has conceded more than one goal in their last four games
- Anytime Goalscorer: Victor Osimhen to score as Nigeria’s main man upfront
Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes are back on track thanks to FIFA’s recent sanctions against South Africa. A win in Polokwane would put Eric Chelle’s side within striking distance of Group C’s top spot, setting up a decisive final clash against Benin Republic.
For Lesotho, this is another opportunity to test themselves against one of Africa’s biggest footballing nations. But with the stakes high and momentum swinging Nigeria’s way, the Super Eagles are expected to take all three points.
