BETTING GUIDE: Lesotho vs Nigeria, Match Preview, Team News and Betting Tips
Reading Time: 4min | Thu. 09.10.25. | 21:37
This is a must-win fixture for Nigeria. A victory over Lesotho will keep their World Cup hopes alive and build momentum heading into their final group clash against Benin
Lesotho ‘host’ Nigeria at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, in what is a crucial Matchday Nine fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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Though sitting 5th in Group C, the Crocodiles still have a mathematical chance of qualification, entering the match with 9 points from 8 games.
However, their road to a first-ever World Cup appearance is steep and would require not just a win here, but favourable results elsewhere.
Lesotho benefitted from South Africa's administrative blunder - receiving a 3-0 awarded win after the ineligible Teboho Mokoena featured in their March loss.
Without that awarded result, Lesotho have just 1 win from 8 games, and their struggle for consistency continues.
Lesotho’s squad lacks a proven game-changer, but Motlomelo Mkwanazi, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Rethabile Rasethuntsa, and Jane Thabantso have all scored during the campaign.
Mkwanazi, who netted in the reverse fixture against Nigeria, is also their only player with a goal and assist in qualifying.
Thabantso, 29, is expected to play a central role in midfield, tasked with ball distribution and offering offensive support.
Sera Motebang, still goalless in the qualifiers, will be eager to make an impact.
Goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane will need to be at his best to withstand Nigeria’s attacking threats.
Lesotho’s recent form across all competitions has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last six matches (D–W–L–L–L–L), reflecting their ongoing struggles in both friendlies and competitive fixtures.
In the World Cup qualifiers, their record is slightly better on paper (W–L–W–D–L–L), though it includes a 3-0 awarded win over South Africa due to an administrative error.
Historically, Lesotho have found it difficult against Nigeria, having failed to win in three previous meetings - drawing once and losing two - while conceding 8 goals and scoring only 3.
Nigeria, on the other hand, come into this encounter as the overwhelming favourites, but the Super Eagles know there is zero room for error.
They are currently third in Group C with 11 points, level with Rwanda and three behind Benin and South Africa.
A recent administrative error by South Africa, costing them three points, has handed Nigeria a surprise lifeline in their pursuit of a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Despite boasting a star-studded squad, Nigeria have been frustratingly inconsistent, recording only two wins in eight matches, both against Rwanda.
Their campaign has been marred by five draws and one defeat, leaving them in a precarious position.
Still, a win against Lesotho would set up a potentially decisive final clash with Benin, provided South Africa drops points in their remaining games.
The Super Eagles are buoyed by the return of Victor Osimhen, who has scored 3 goals in the qualifying matches.
The Galatasaray forward is expected to lead the line, offering a major goal-scoring threat with his pace, movement, and strength.
Ademola Lookman is likely to start despite a slow start to the season at Atalanta, with Moses Simon also in line to feature.
Alex Iwobi remains a vital creative force, despite divided opinion from fans, while Wilfred Ndidi is expected to anchor the midfield.
There are some forced changes due to injury and squad rotation. Ola Aina misses out with a hamstring issue, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers have been replaced by Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche.
Nigeria’s form over their last six matches in all competitions shows a slightly steady run, with two draws, two wins and two losses (D–W–W–L–L–D), though their inability to convert draws into victories has been a recurring issue.
In World Cup qualifying, their record mirrors this trend (D–L–W–D–W–D), with the lone defeat coming earlier in the campaign, and the rest marked by closely contested encounters. Against Lesotho, the Super Eagles have historically been dominant.
Their last five matches reflect both their strength and inconsistency, including a 1-1 draw with South Africa, a 1-0 win over Rwanda, a significant 2-0 win against Congo, a 4-0 loss to Sudan, and a frustrating 1-0 loss against Senegal.
This fixture sees two inconsistent sides meet, but the quality gap between Nigeria and Lesotho is significant.
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Despite their underwhelming campaign, Nigeria have superior individual talent, more experience at this level, and the motivation of a potential World Cup ticket still in reach.
Lesotho’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal makes their chances slim. Nigeria, though a bit shaky recently, should do enough to claim all three points.
Key Pointers
Lesotho are winless in their last four matches
Nigeria are unbeaten in their last three fixtures
Lesotho have failed to score a goal in their last four fixtures
This is a must-win for Nigeria
A victory over Lesotho will keep their World Cup hopes alive and build momentum heading into their final group clash against Benin.
For Lesotho, it is a last-gasp opportunity to make history, but the odds are firmly stacked against them.
Prediction: Nigeria to win
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