Match Preview

Lesotho battle Nigeria in the penultimate game of Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. South Africa’s recent points deduction means the group has been thrown open, and the Super Eagles are likely to be extra motivated for this one.

Lesotho suffered a 4-0 away defeat to Benin Republic in their previous qualifying fixture. They struggled to cope with the quality of the hosts and could only muster a single attempt on target throughout the contest.

That was the fourth straight defeat in all competitions for Lesotho, who sit fifth in Group C, five points off the pace. Among the problems for Leslie Notsi’s men is a lack of cutting edge in attack, having failed to score in all four matches.

It has been a disappointing qualifying campaign for Nigeria, who have picked up just two wins from eight matches so far. However, Eric Chelle’s men have been handed a lifeline following South Africa’s points deduction and are only three points off top spot.

Nigeria will head into this clash unbeaten in their last two qualifying matches. The Super Eagles picked up a 1-0 home victory over Rwanda before holding out for a 1-1 away draw with South Africa last time out.

How the bookies view it: Nigeria highly fancied

Nigeria have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 1/8 by BoyleSports to claim the win. Lesotho are considered outsiders, with a home victory valued at 20/1 while a draw is set at odds of 13/2.

Head to head: Super Eagles on top

Nigeria have picked up two wins and a draw from three previous matches against Lesotho. The draw came in the reverse fixture back in 2023, with the Super Eagles held to a 1-1 scoreline at home.

Players to watch: Eyes on Osimhen

Nigeria will look to Victor Osimhen to provide the spark in attack, with the striker in good form for Turkish club Galatasaray. With Ademola Lookman also in attack, the Super Eagles could be backed to score over 1.5 goals – priced at 1/4 in Boylesports.

Given Lesotho’s attacking problems lately, Nigeria will be targeting a clean sheet in Friday’s clash. Captain William Troost Ekong often impressed at the heart of the Super Eagles defence and can lead the team to a clean sheet – valued at odds of 2/5.

Probable line-ups:

Sekhoane Moerane is expected to start in goal for Lesotho, with Motlomelo Mkwanazi and Thabo Makhele featuring at the back. Lehlohonolo Matsau is expected to start in midfield while Sera Motebang should lead the line once again.

Given the withdrawals in the team, Alhassan Yusuf is likely to be drafted into right-back, while Troost-Ekong should continue in the heart of the defence. Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi should line up in midfield, with Osimhen set to lead the line.

Lesotho: Moerane, Malane, Mkwanazi, Makhele, Matlebe, Bereng, Matsau, Toloane, Ntso, Matakeng, Motebang
Nigeria: Nwabali, Yusuf, Ekong, Baseey, Onyemaechi, Ndidi, Lookman, Simon, Chukwueze, Osimhen

Anything else catch the eye?

Nigeria have won to nil in two of their last three matches (Nigeria win to nil – offered at 1/2 on BoyleSports). Both goals in the reverse fixture were scored after the break (Second half most goals – available at 20/21).

Lesotho have trailed at the break in their last four matches in all competitions (Nigeria halftime win – set at odds of 1/2).