All roads lead to Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as Nigeria Super Eagles vs Lesotho lock horns in their first Group C match of the 2026 CAF FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The match will kick off at 5 pm Nigeria time on Thursday, 16 November 2023 in Uyo, Akwaibom State.
Nigeria are favourites to top the group ahead of Benin and South Africa the other two contenders. Meanwhile, Rwanda and Zimbabwe will have something to prove in a group they're seen as the underdogs and will certainly battle to pull off upsets.
Nigeria Super Eagles vs Lesotho match preview
Nigeria Super Eagles
The Super Eagles head into the game on a two-match winning run against the visitors and will look to extend their dominance in this fixture as both sides lock horns on Thursday.
The Eagles picked up a morale-boosting result ahead of the World Cup qualifiers as they edged out Mozambique 3-2 at the Estádio Municipal de Albufeira on October 16.
Jose Peseiro’s men have now gone unbeaten in their last five games, claiming four wins and one draw since March’s 1-0 loss against Guinea-Bissau.
In a bid to correct missing out in the 2022 World Cup, the Eagles, who are currently 40th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, will look to begin their quest for a return to the World Cup on a good note.
Lesotho
Lesotho had a disappointing African Cup of Nations campaign, and are likely going to struggle in Group C, although a strong performance from Veselin Jelusic's men could give them the needed boost of confidence going forward.
The Crocodiles finished at the bottom of their group that featured Zambia, Ivory Coast, and Comoros and managed just a single point in their six matches, holding The Elephants to a 0-0 draw at home.
Lesotho head into Thursday on a run of three losses in their last four skirmishes, with a penalty-shootout victory over Malawi in the COSAFA Cup on July 14 being the only exception. It'll be interesting to see how they fare against the Super Eagles.
Nigeria Super Eagles vs Lesotho probable lineups
Nigeria Super Eagles
Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze are notable absentees for Nigeria as both players continue to recover from injuries.
There are also doubts about the fitness of forward Taiwo Awoniyi and defender Bruno Onyemaechi who could both start on the bench.
In the absence of Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho are expected to start in attack for Nigeria in a 4-3-3 formation.
Probable lineups for Nigeria Super Eagles: Uzoho (GK); Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Omeruo, Bassey; Iwobi, Aribo, Onyeka; Lookman, Iheanacho, Boniface.
Lesotho
Coach Jelusic will be pleased Motlomelo Mkhwanazi, Bokang Sello, and Neo Mokhachane are available for his side. These three foreign players were spotted linking up with the rest of the Lesotho squad ahead of this match.
Meanwhile, Tshwarelo Bereng is expected to provide the creativity in the middle for the Crocodiles with Chinese-based Thabiso Brown leading the attack in a 4-5-1 formation.
Probable lineups for Lesotho: Moerane (GK); Mkwanazi, Sello, Makepe, Malane; Lebokollane, Lesaoana, Mokhachane, Bereng, Sefali; Brown
Nigeria Super Eagles vs Lesotho confirmed lineups
*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released
Nigeria Super Eagles vs Lesotho head-to-head and key stats
- Nigeria have previously met Lesotho in just two occasions and have won both matches, scoring seven goals in the process and conceding just two in both matches.
- The last two matches between Nigeria and Lesotho have seen an average of 4.5 goals per game (2-4 in their first match in 2019, and 3-0 in their last meeting in 2021)
- Nigeria scored three times in their last home game against Lesotho, they're also on the back of scoring six goals in their last competitive home match against São Tomé & Principe.
- Lesotho have won one and lost one in their last two away games; a 0-3 win at Malawi in July was followed by a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast in September.
Where to watch Nigeria Super Eagles vs Lesotho live
This match will be broadcast live on SuperSport, NTA and CAF TV on YouTube.
Fans can also stay in touch with the action by keeping an eye on live updates posted across the Super Eagles handle on X.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 weeks ago
