MATCH INFO
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane (Lesotho’s adopted home ground)
Kick-Off Time: 17:00
Watch Live: SuperSport, FIFA+
Friday, October 10th, is no ordinary matchday. For the Super Eagles of Nigeria, it’s a date with destiny; a must-win encounter against Lesotho that could either breathe life into our 2026 World Cup dream or cast it into serious doubt.
The setting? Polokwane, South Africa not Lesotho’s actual home ground, but a neutral turf that still poses a threat. The stakes? As high as they’ve ever been. After a rollercoaster qualifying campaign, Nigeria finds itself in third place in Group C. Behind Benin Republic and South Africa. Only victory can keep hopes of qualification alive.
A Nation Watches. A Team Must Deliver.
This isn’t just football; it’s about pride, redemption, and proving that the green and white still belongs on the global stage. The Super Eagles arrive in Polokwane knowing the margin for error is zero. Their last outing left fans with more questions than answers. Missed chances. Defensive blunders. Lost leads. But now, with the group wide open following South Africa’s docked points due to a FIFA infraction, the path has reopened – barely.
Can the Eagles seize the moment?
All eyes are on Victor Osimhen, who may return to lead the line after a spell on the sidelines. If fit, his presence alone could rattle Lesotho’s defenders. Alongside him, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Moses Simon are expected to bring pace and purpose. But it won’t just be about attacking flair. Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka must control the midfield, while a patchwork defence must stay focused for 90 minutes.
Don’t Write Off Lesotho
Make no mistake; Lesotho may be ranked lower and boast less star power, but they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Under the guidance of coach Leslie Notši, the team has earned a reputation for being compact, organized, and disciplined. In the reverse fixture, they frustrated Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in Uyo – a result that still stings.
Their likely strategy? Sit deep, frustrate, and pounce on mistakes. Nigeria must be patient, clinical, and above all, hungry.
The Ghost of Missed Chances
This campaign has seen Nigeria drop points in games they were expected to dominate. Against Zimbabwe, against Lesotho; the story has been the same: high expectations, low returns.
But this Friday is different. There is no second leg. No second chance. This is the moment to rewrite the narrative.
The coaching crew, led by Eric Chelle, knows what’s at stake. The players know it. The fans back home are watching. From Lagos to Kano, from Warri to Kaduna — every heartbeat aligns with the Super Eagles.
Hot Sports Scoops Says…
This is the kind of match where legends are born. Will Nigeria rise like the champions we know they are, or will Lesotho be the thorn that ends our World Cup dream?
Our prediction? Lesotho 0 – 2 Nigeria.
Lookman and Osimhen (if fit) to lead the charge.
But expect a tight, gritty battle.
Super Eagles, na una hand e dey. Make we no carry last.