Nigeria TV Info 

2026 WCQ: Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes on the Line as Super Eagles Face Lesotho Today

All eyes will be on the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, today as the Super Eagles of Nigeria face the Crocodiles of Lesotho in a must-win clash that could determine Nigeria’s fate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

After a disappointing 1-1 draw against South Africa in September, Nigeria appeared to be on the verge of missing out on back-to-back World Cup finals. However, a dramatic twist came when FIFA docked points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, reviving Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

The ruling left the Super Eagles three points behind Benin and South Africa, with two crucial matches remaining. Nigeria now sit third in Group C with 11 points and a +2 goal difference, behind Benin (14 pts, +4) and South Africa (14 pts, +2). Rwanda are level with Nigeria on points but have a neutral goal difference.

To stay in contention, Nigeria must win both remaining matches, starting with today’s encounter, and hope South Africa falters in their remaining fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

The two sides last met on November 16, 2023, in Uyo, where Lesotho held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw. Since 2019, Nigeria have won two of their three meetings, with one draw.

Speaking ahead of the match, head coach Éric Chelle said the team is focused and ready.

“We must start the game aggressively and maintain concentration throughout. Football can be unpredictable, but our target is three points,” Chelle told reporters in Polokwane on Thursday.

Nigeria’s qualification campaign has been inconsistent, with two wins, five draws, and one defeat, while Lesotho have recorded two wins, three draws, and three losses.

The decisive Matchday 9 fixture will kick off at 6:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. Nigeria time) at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane.

A win tonight would keep Nigeria’s World Cup dream alive. Anything less could spell the end of their 2026 campaign.