It's a crucial World Cup qualifier on Friday, October 10, as Lesotho hosts Nigeria at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Nigeria have been handed a lifeline after South Africa were docked points for fielding an ineligible player, tightening Group C with two games left.
📈Team Form📉
🔹 Nigeria: 2 wins from 8 games — sit 3rd in Group C with 11after a rollercoaster campaign. Form: (DLWDWD).
🔸 Lesotho: 9 points from 8 games, positioned 5th and still mathematically alive. Form: (WLWDLL).
️ 📊Key Stats & Head-to-Head 📊
🔥 Nigeria was given a World Cup 2026 lifeline after South Africa were docked points for using an ineligible Teboho Mokoena.
🔥 That decision means Nigeria are only three points behind Benin and South Africa with two matches remaining.
🔥 Lesotho have nine points from eight games and has technically won one of their last eight fixtures (the awarded 3–0 vs South Africa).
🔬 What to Expect From Both Teams 🔥
🟦Lesotho | qualifiers form: W🟢 L🔴 W🟢 D🟡 L🔴 L🔴:
Playing ‘home’ in South Africa reduces the typical home-edge, but the team will aim to frustrate and counter when Lesotho' hosts’ Nigeria in Polokwane, with direct qualification a long shot, but mathematically possible.
The Crocodiles have spread goals among several players — Mkwanazi, Fothoane, Rasethuntsa and Thabantso — so they pose different attacking threats.
🟩Nigeria | qualifiers form: D🟡 L🔴 W🟢 D🟡 W🟢:
Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles must win both remaining fixtures and rely on other results to go their way. The return of Victor Osimhen lifts the attack.
Ademola Lookman is expected to lead the line along with the Galatasaray man, with Moses Simon likely to feature. Alex Iwobi’s creativity will be important, while Ola Aina misses out with a long-term hamstring injury.
👥 Predicted Lineups 👥
🟦Lesotho (possible):
Moerane, Malane, Mkwanazi, Makhele, Matlabe, Rapuleng, Matsau, Mokachane, Toloane, Thabantso, Sera.
🟩Nigeria (possible):
Nwabali, Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman, Simon, Osimhen.
🔥 Matchups & Players to Watch 👀
✨ Ademola Lookman — expected outlet in attack.
✨ Alex Iwobi — key for ball progression and creativity.
✨ Victor Osimhen has three goals in qualifying, and his availability is pivotal for Nigeria’s hopes.
✨ Sekhoane Moerane — Lesotho’s goalkeeper who must produce big saves.
✨ Motlomelo Mkwanazi scored in the November 2023 1–1 draw with Nigeria and has one goal and one assist in qualifying.
💵 Odds Market on MSport 💵
💵 Lesotho / Home to win = 23.02
💵 Nigeria / Away to win = 1.13
💵 Both teams to score (GG/NG) = 3.05
💵 Over 2.5 goals = 1.58
This is a tense, low-margin tie — Nigeria needs a statement and full focus, while Lesotho will back themselves to make life difficult. Who takes the three points on Friday?
Share your prediction in the comments.
🔗 You can follow the Lesotho vs Nigeria FIFA World Cup Qualifier game here on MSport.
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