2026 FIFA WCQ: Super Eagles hunt Lesotho’s Crocodiles for three points

By Emmanuel Okogba

Africa’s apical stars, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, volition spearhead Nigeria’s propulsion for maximum points erstwhile the Super Eagles look the Crocodiles of Lesotho successful a important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying brushwood astatine the New Peter Mokaba Stadium successful Polokwane, South Africa, connected Friday evening.

The lucifer marks the penultimate circular of qualifiers, with Nigeria successful a must-win concern arsenic they pursuit a spot astatine the planetary showpiece. The Super Eagles presently way Group C leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa by 3 points.

Victory against Lesotho is captious to support Nigeria’s qualification hopes live earlier their last location crippled against Benin Republic astatine the Godswill Akpabio Stadium successful Uyo.

Head manager Eric Chelle volition beryllium without respective cardinal players owed to injury, including defender Ola Aina, who was injured during the clash against South Africa successful Bloemfontein. Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, and Cyriel Dessers are besides unavailable.

However, the instrumentality of Osimhen – who missed the Bafana Bafana fixture done wounded – is simply a large boost for the team. Alongside Lookman and Moses Simon, the prolific trio that starred astatine the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations volition reunite successful attack.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is expected to clasp his spot betwixt the posts, with skipper William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Zaidu Sanusi among those competing for places successful defence.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, and Christantus Uche are disposable for selection, portion the guardant enactment volition beryllium led by Osimhen, Lookman, and Simon. Other attacking options see Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Tolu Arokodare, and Jerome Akor Adams.

The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, volition beryllium looking to bounce backmost powerfully and support their qualification run live up of a decisive last fixture successful Uyo.

Nigeria Squad to Face Lesotho successful Polokwane

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Frederick (Dender FC, Belgium)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)

Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Tolu Arokodare (Wolves, England); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)

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