The Super Eagles hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive – just.
What looked like a doomed qualifying campaign was unexpectedly revived when FIFA sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho, docking them three points and three goals.
That ruling breathed new life into the Super Eagles’ bid, leaving them three points behind Benin and South Africa with two matches remaining.
Now comes a must-win clash against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. Eric Chelle’s men can only focus on their job: win both remaining games and hope their rivals slip up elsewhere. Anything less than three points here would all but end our chances of qualifying for the expanded 48-team tournament in North America next summer.
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Nigeria’s campaign has been defined by inconsistency. With just two wins from eight matches, both against Rwanda, they have lacked the dominance expected of Africa’s traditional heavyweights.
The return of Victor Osimhen is a major boost, though. The Galatasaray striker remains one of the world’s deadliest forwards and his presence alone transforms the Super Eagles’ attack. Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon are also expected to start, while Alex Iwobi will be relied upon for creativity in midfield.
Lesotho, meanwhile, enter the penultimate round sitting fifth in Group C with nine points from eight matches. Technically they can still qualify, but their chances are purely mathematical. Leslie Notsi’s side have struggled in front of goal and have lost four straight matches in all competitions, including a 4-0 thrashing by Benin in their last outing. Even more challenging is that this “home” fixture will again be played in South Africa due to stadium restrictions in Maseru, removing any real home advantage.
Despite holding Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture last year, Lesotho’s main problem remains their lack of cutting edge and tendency to concede early. Nigeria have won two of the last three meetings between these sides and, with everything on the line, are expected to make it three from four on Friday.
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Betting Picks
Nigeria to Win and Under 3.5 Goals
Nigeria’s attack has yet to click fully under Chelle, and with Lesotho unlikely to contribute much offensively, this feels like a low-scoring affair. The Super Eagles should control the match, but recent scorelines suggest they won’t run riot.
Nigeria to win and under 3.5 goals looks strong value at 1.78. Back it here!
Nigeria to Win and Keep a Clean Sheet
Lesotho have failed to score in each of their last four matches in all competitions. Nigeria, meanwhile, have kept two clean sheets in their last three. With Troost-Ekong marshalling the back line and Stanley Nwabali in goal, another shutout is very possible.
Nigeria to win and both teams not to score is priced at 1.39. Back it here!
Nigeria to Win First Half
Lesotho’s slow starts have been a consistent theme – they’ve trailed at half-time in each of their last four fixtures. Given Nigeria’s urgency to set the tone early, backing the Super Eagles to be ahead at the break looks smart.
Nigeria to win the first half is available at 1.42. Back it here!
Victor Osimhen to Score First
The return of Victor Osimhen changes everything. The Galatasaray striker scored the opener in his last World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe and has a knack for delivering when it matters most.
Backing Osimhen to open the scoring again offers great value at 3.45. Back it here!
The Super Eagles know what’s required – win or watch their World Cup dream fade away. With Osimhen back leading the line and Lesotho struggling for goals, the Super Eagles should deliver when it matters most. Bet on the big game now on Bet9ja!
