Nigeria's Qualification Campaign: Can the Super Eagles Turn it Around?

Super Eagles training session

Nigeria's qualification campaign is on the line as they take on Lesotho. The Super Eagles are in a must-win situation against Lesotho.

“It's always an honor to wear the green and white. We have a great team, and I'm ready to give my best for Nigeria...”

Nigeria's Super Eagles have kicked off their training in Polokwane, South Africa, in preparation for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. The team, led by coach Eric Chelle, held their first training session with star forward Victor Osimhen in attendance. Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, expressed his excitement about returning to national team duties, saying, “It's always an honor to wear the green and white. We have a great team, and I'm ready to give my best for Nigeria.”

Super Eagles Squad

The 19-man squad includes notable players such as:

Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Ademola Lookman (Leicester City), Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, and Chrisantus Uche

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Frank Onyeka, and Samuel Chukwueze

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, and Semi Ajayi

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, and Amas Obasogie

The Super Eagles will face Lesotho on Friday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, at 5 pm Nigerian time. They will then play against Benin Republic next Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. To qualify for the World Cup, Nigeria needs to win both matches and rely on favorable results from South Africa and Benin Republic.

According to the team’s media officer, 17 players took part in the light training session as the three-time African champions kicked off their build-up to the game.

Apart from Osimhen, those who trained with the squad included Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, Semi Ajayi, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, and Amas Obasogie.

Also present were captain William Troost-Ekong, Christantus Uche, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, and the reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman.

The Super Eagles are gearing up for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, with Brentford loanee Benjamin Fredrick joining the team ahead of the match. Five more players are expected to report to camp soon, bolstering the squad. Nigeria currently sits third in Group C, trailing leaders Benin Republic and South Africa, but coach Eric Chelle's men remain hopeful about qualifying for the World Cup.

The Super Eagles have a chance to make a strong statement in their upcoming match against Lesotho, which could be a turning point in their qualification campaign. In their previous encounter in Uyo last November, Nigeria was held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho. The match is scheduled for October 11, 2025, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

With two matches left to play, Nigeria will need to secure wins and capitalize on favorable results from other teams to advance in the qualification process.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face Lesotho in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. This match is a must-win for Nigeria, who currently sit third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches. A win would keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive, while a loss would likely dash their dreams.

Nigeria's qualification campaign has been disappointing so far, with only two wins in their opening eight matches. However, a recent ruling by FIFA deducted three points and three goals from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, giving Nigeria a lifeline. The Super Eagles will need to secure maximum points from their remaining two matches, against Lesotho and Benin Republic, and hope that South Africa drops points in their fixtures.

Nigeria's Qualification Scenarios.

• Win against Lesotho and Benin Republic: Secure qualification with six points

• Win one match and draw the other: Hope that South Africa and Rwanda drop points in their fixtures

• Lose one match: Qualification chances would be severely diminished

Nigeria's coach, Eric Chelle, has made two late adjustments to his 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifier against Lesotho due to fitness concerns. 

The changes include:

New Additions:

• Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto) replaces Bright Osayi-Samuel due to fitness issues

•  Uche (Crystal Palace) joins the squad to replace Cyriel Dessers, who is injured

The Super Eagles are currently third in Group C with 11 points, trailing leaders Benin Republic and South Africa. A win against Lesotho would keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.

Super Eagles in camp

Benjamin Fredrick, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, Semi Ajayi, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, Amas Obasogie, William Troost Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Chrisantus Uche, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi.