Soccer
Super Eagles including William Troost-Ekong and Stanley Nwabali (Photo credit: Imago)
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will lock horns with Lesotho in their penultimate game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.
While Lesotho can no longer qualify for the Mundial, Nigeria enter the game with a glimmer of hope, and they need to defeat the Crocodiles so that glimmer of hope stays alive.
The Super Eagles have the better quality on paper, and should be able to grab the win. But they have often faltered, even against the easiest of opponents.
Recall that the reverse fixture, which was played in Nigeria ended in a 1-1 stalemate. So, the Crocodiles will be positive that they can get something from the game slated for the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Game day minus 1. All focus, all hunger; we fight till the finish !#SoarSuperEagles #Naija4theWin pic.twitter.com/ZAAK0jhfnF
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 9, 2025
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has most of his best legs available for the clash except Ola Aina, who is recovering from an injury. So he will be expected to field a solid lineup.
Ahead of the game on Friday, Soccernet.ng predicts the starting lineup for Nigeria against Lesotho on Friday.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle likes to play a 4-4-2 formation, and it is expected that he will deploy the same formation once more against Lesotho.
Chippa United shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali will maintain his place between the sticks for Nigeria once more.
But there might be a shake-up in the backline due to injuries to Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Zaidu Sanusi could have played, but he just arrived in camp on Wednesday night.
As such, Benjamin Fredrick will partner will partner William Troost-Ekong. Then, Calvin Bassey will fill in at left-back, while Bruno Onyemaechi will fill in at right back.
In the middle of the park, Wilfred Ndidi will partner Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, while Ademola Lookman will play the advanced role. Then, in the attack, Victor Osimhen will partner Tolu Arokodare.
Super Eagles Predicted XI: Stanley Nwabali; William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman; Tolu Arokodare, Victor Osimhen.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, and Sportspremi.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
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