Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter against the Crocodiles of Lesotho on Friday evening at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, with star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the charge.
The match is the penultimate fixture in the qualifying series, and Nigeria must secure all three points—alongside favourable results elsewhere—to boost their chances ahead of the final group game against leaders Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Currently trailing Benin Republic and South Africa by three points, the Super Eagles are expected to go all out in the remaining two matches. However, Coach Eric Chelle faces injury concerns as Olaoluwa Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, and Cyriel Dessers are unavailable.
On a brighter note, Osimhen returns to the squad after missing the South Africa clash due to injury, joining Lookman and Moses Simon to form the formidable attacking trio that impressed at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is expected to start between the posts, with captain William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Benjamin Frederick all vying for defensive roles.
Midfield options include Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Christantus Uche, while the forward line will be spearheaded by Osimhen, Lookman, and Simon, with additional firepower from Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, and Jerome Akor Adams.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adeleye Adebayo.
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Frederick.
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Wilfred Ndidi, Christantus Uche.
Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, Jerome Akor Adams.
