Ahead of tomorrow’s big battle for Group C’s lone automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in North America, the Super Eagles and visiting The Cheetahs of Benin, will have their official training at the main pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo today.
The Cheetahs will train first from 5pm while the Super Eagles take their turn at 6.15pm.
Tuesday’s big battle, between two of the three teams still in contention for Group C’s lone automatic ticket will kick off at 5pm. Simultaneously, the clash between South Africa and Rwanda, which is also of importance to the final outcome of Group C, will commence in Nelspruit.
Nigeria’s delegation to Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho in the South African city of Polokwane safely returned to the country yesterday , landing at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport at 8.05am.
A cracked pilot windscreen forced the chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft conveying the team from Polokwane to return to the Luanda airport, 25 minutes after take-off following a refuelling stop in the Angolan capital on Saturday afternoon.
However, swift action by ValueJet Airline and Federal Government authorities enabled another ValueJet Airline aircraft to take off from Lagos and pick the team in Luanda. The airplane flew for two hours and 20 minutes from Luanda before landing in Uyo.
Players and officials have settled into the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot-Ekpene, and had a training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium yesterday.
Group C leaders Cheetahs of Benin Republic, who are Nigeria’s opponents in Tuesday’s showdown, arrived in Uyo on Saturday afternoon and are lodged at the Ibom Icon and Golf Resort. The team trained at the practice pitch of Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday morning.
Nigeria’s quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains on a knife edge despite edging past Lesotho 2-1 on Friday — a result that keeps their qualification hopes alive but far from certain as the decisive Group C fixtures loom.
The Super Eagles were tested by a resilient Lesotho side, with captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams scoring to secure three crucial points.
However, the result made little impact on Nigeria’s position in the standings. They remain third in the group — one point behind South Africa and three adrift of leaders Benin Republic — making Tuesday’s clash against the Cheetahs a must-win encounter.
What Nigeria need to qualify for the 2026 World Cup
1. Beat Benin Republic by at least two goals
The Super Eagles must deliver a commanding performance when they face Benin Republic on Tuesday, October 14. Only a victory by two or more goals will give them a realistic chance of finishing top, with goal difference likely to decide the group’s outcome.
2. If South Africa slip against Rwanda
Nigeria’s fate does not rest solely in their hands. For Finidi George’s men to seal automatic qualification, South Africa must either draw or lose to Rwanda in their final fixture. A win for the Bafana Bafana would end Nigeria’s chances.
With only group winners guaranteed a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup and the four best runners-up advancing to the playoffs, every goal and point now carries immense weight.
Friday’s hard-fought win in Lesotho has reignited belief, but the Super Eagles will need precision, determination, and a bit of luck to return to football’s biggest stage after missing out on Qatar 2022.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria arrived safely in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on Sunday morning at about 8:05 a.m.
Earlier, The Nation had reported that the team made an emergency stop in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday after experiencing a mid-air technical issue following their 2-1 victory over Lesotho.
According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the aircraft was forced to land due to a cracked windscreen, which caused the in-flight scare.
With their arrival in Uyo, the Super Eagles will immediately shift focus to preparations for their crucial World Cup qualifying clash against Benin Republic on Tuesday, as they seek maximum points to boost their qualification hopes for next year’s tournament.
The Nigeria Football Federation has stated that a cracked windscreen of the chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft that was conveying the Super Eagles’ delegation from Polokwane in South Africa to Uyo, for Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic, has delayed the arrival of the players and officials in the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The same aircraft had flown some members of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in the South African city on Friday morning.
However, after a routine refueling stop in Luanda, Angola (where the plane also stopped to refuel on Thursday night, and where the same plane had stopped to refuel to and from Bloemfontein in South Africa for the Matchday 8 encounter between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana last month), the aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off, and the pilot did well to guide the airplane safely back to the airport in Luanda.
ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities including the Hon. Minister of Aviation, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to Mr. President are working assiduously to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda and fly them to Uyo.
Nigeria still have a chance of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup after registering a nervy 2-1 away win over Lesotho.
The Super Eagles remain three points behind Group C leaders Benin, who grabbed a late 1-0 victory in Rwanda and are aiming to secure a place at the finals for the very first time.
South Africa are the other team in with a chance of topping the group, but their chances suffered a blow when they were held to a goalless draw on home turf by 10-man Zimbabwe in Durban.
Bafana Bafana are second, two points behind Benin and one clear of third-placed Nigeria.
Only the group winners are assured of a spot at the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Nigeria host Benin in the final round of games on Tuesday (16:00 GMT) and will leapfrog their West African rivals if they win by a two-goal margin.
However, South Africa could yet finish above both sides if they win their home game against Rwanda.
If the Nigeria-Benin game ends in a draw then Bafana Bafana will qualify with a win by three goals or more. South Africa will also seal top spot if they win and the Super Eagles take all three points from the derby in Uyo.
The four best second-placed sides in African qualifying will still have a chance to reach the tournament via continental and inter-confederation play-offs, but the congested nature of Group C means the side finishing second may not have enough points to progress.
The Super Eagles got the job done against Lesotho winning 2-1 to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
The Super Eagles started the game dominantly, keeping possession and mounting pressure on the Lesotho defense, however it didn’t yield any positive results as both teams went down the tunnel goalless.
Eric Chelles’ men continued their pressure at the resumption of the second half, and got their deserved opportunity after the referee pointed to the spot in the 55th minute, which captain Troost Ekong made no mistake from, giving the Super Eagles an early advantage.
Debutant Akor Adams ensured the three points was safe for Nigeria in the 80th minute after guiding the ball into the bottom right corner.
In the heart of Polokwane, South Africa, the Super Eagles stand at a crossroads that could define the nation’s footballing destiny. The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have exposed both the promise and the pitfalls of Nigerian football — flashes of brilliance shadowed by inconsistency, tactical uncertainty, and administrative lapses. Now, with two games left to play, everything comes down to this: defeat Lesotho or risk missing the World Cup for the second consecutive time. From the tactical failings that derailed the campaign to the mathematical permutations that offer a glimmer of hope, TUNDE LIADI and DANIEL OYEKAN capture the urgency of a nation desperate for redemption in Polokwane .
The Super Eagles face arguably their most defining moment in recent football history when they square off against Lesotho in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier today in Polokwane, South Africa. For a nation that has long prided itself as one of Africa’s footballing giants, the stakes could not be higher — this is a must-win fixture if Nigeria hopes to keep its faint World Cup dream alive.
Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup — to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States — has been anything but smooth. The Super Eagles have stumbled through the qualifiers, failing to stamp their authority in a group they were widely expected to dominate. Draws at home, wastefulness in front of goal, tactical inconsistencies, and poor decision-making both on and off the pitch have combined to put the three-time African champions in a precarious position.
After six matches, the Group C table paints a sobering picture: Benin Republic and South Africa lead the pack with 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda follow closely on 11 points apiece. Lesotho sit on 9, and Zimbabwe, already out of the race, trail with 4.
Simply put, anything short of a victory in Polokwane will almost certainly confirm Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup for a second consecutive edition — a scenario that would send shockwaves through African football.
For the Super Eagles, there is no margin for error. Lesotho may not be continental heavyweights, but they have proven stubborn opponents throughout the qualifiers — drawing with Nigeria in Uyo last year and beating Zimbabwe earlier in the campaign. Playing in South Africa, which they consider a second home ground, adds another layer of difficulty.
A win against Lesotho would move Nigeria to 14 points, potentially level with Benin and South Africa (depending on other results). Anything less — a draw or defeat — would destroy their mathematical chance of finishing top.
Beyond the arithmetic, this fixture represents a psychological turning point. The Super Eagles have been accused of lacking urgency, leadership, and collective purpose in recent years. Today’s clash is not just about three points; it’s about restoring belief in a team that once commanded fear across Africa.
Nigeria’s predicament is not the product of one bad day at the office — it’s the accumulation of structural, technical, and managerial failings.
Firstly, the team’s inconsistency can be traced to unclear tactical identity and managerial instability. Frequent changes in approach and personnel have disrupted rhythm and chemistry. The Super Eagles have struggled to balance flair with discipline, often looking disjointed against supposedly weaker sides.
Off the pitch, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also not escaped scrutiny. Late preparations, delayed player call-ups, and inadequate scouting have undermined cohesion. The team’s struggles reflect not just a football issue but a systemic failure in planning and execution.
On the pitch, several players have looked complacent — failing to show the hunger and urgency befitting their status. Missed chances, lapses in concentration, and lack of aggression in critical moments have cost Nigeria dearly.
Indeed, dropping points in home matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe earlier in the qualifiers set the tone for this crisis. Nigeria’s inability to convert home advantage into victories remains the biggest self-inflicted wound.
Permutations and calculations
With two matches left to play, Nigeria’s journey to the World Cup hangs delicately between hope and heartbreak. Based on the current standings, four possible qualification scenarios — Option A, B, C, and D — define the fate of Group C.
If South Africa win both their games (vs Zimbabwe and Rwanda), they’ll reach 20 points. Nigeria, if they also win against Lesotho and Benin, will climb to 17 points, while Benin remain on 15.
This would leave Nigeria in second place, not enough for automatic qualification and also not adequate to earn a playoff berth — with Gabon (19 points), Madagascar (19 points), Burkina Faso (18 points) and Cameroon (18 points) positioned to finish ahead of the Super Eagles, even if they win their two games though these teams still have a game more to play.
Option A does not give Nigeria any lifeline, as the team’s chances of qualifying through the playoffs have been shut by the performances of teams in the other groups.
But Option B is the dream scenario for Nigeria since it offers a direct automatic route to the 2026 Mundial.
Should the Bafana Bafana drop points in either of their two games and Nigeria win both with healthy margins, the Super Eagles could top the group on goal difference — both finishing on 17 points.
For instance, Nigeria winning 3–0 against Lesotho and 4–0 against Benin would likely push them ahead on goal differential.
“Option B opens the World Cup door for Nigeria because it keeps destiny within their grasp,” says former international Ifeanyi Udeze. “Two wins and one South African slip — that’s all it takes.”
Even at that , the Super Eagles can also profit from an unlikely scenario with Option C whereby South Africa suffer monumental collapse.
Should South Africa collect just one point (a draw and a loss), and Nigeria win both remaining matches, the Super Eagles will automatically qualify with 17 points, two clear of their nearest rivals.
This scenario, while mathematically possible, depends on a near-total implosion from South Africa — a long shot considering their strong home record.
Nevertheless, If Nigeria fail to win either of their remaining games, it’s over.
A draw or loss in Polokwane would leave the Eagles with 12 or 11 points respectively, far off the qualification pace. Even winning one and drawing one would take them to 15 points — insufficient to overtake South Africa or Benin.
Unlikely upsets with Rwanda, Benin in focus
Rwanda’s visit to South Africa on Tuesday could yet flip the script in Nigeria’s favour. A Rwandan win or even a draw in Johannesburg would offer the Super Eagles a lifeline. Zimbabwe, though already eliminated, could also play the spoiler role when they face South Africa today.
Benin Republic, coached by former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr, remain unpredictable — capable of stunning South Africa one week and losing to Rwanda the next. Nigeria must not bank on others; their destiny still depends on their own results at least as of now.
The Super Eagles facing the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at home on Tuesday in Uyo with the prospect of qualification after today’s game with Lesotho still intact won’t allow that golden chance to slip through their hands based on how chaotic the qualifiers have been.
Should Nigeria miss the 2026 World Cup, it will mark the second consecutive absence after Qatar 2022 — a national tragedy by footballing standards.
But it could also be a wake-up call hence Nigerian football must rethink its technical direction — prioritizing youth development, coaching continuity and long-term planning over short-term fixes.
The NFF must embrace transparency and competence. A clear blueprint for player scouting, camp organization, and tactical development is essential.
On the pitch, the team needs leaders who can inspire and enforce standards. The current crop of players must show the pride and responsibility that comes with wearing the green and white.
Countries like Morocco and Senegal have thrived due to stability, planning, and player commitment. Nigeria can no longer rely on talent alone — structure and discipline win tournaments.
Today’s clash is more than a qualifier — it’s a referendum on the state of Nigerian football. Victory could spark a late resurrection; anything less will plunge the nation into another four years of soul-searching.
The Super Eagles have run out of excuses. Now, they must find results.
Africa’s best players in the past two years, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will lead Nigeria’s charge for crucial three points when the Super Eagles go up against the Crocodiles of Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in the South African city of Polokwane on Friday evening.
The clash is the penultimate matchday of the series, with Nigeria needing all three points and favour from elsewhere to stand in good stead heading into the final matchday, when they host present group leaders Benin Republic at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
With three points off first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, Nigeria must go guns-blazing for their remaining two games, starting with the encounter with the Crocodiles on neutral ground on Friday.
Coach Eric Chelle has been unable to call on wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, injured on an atrocious Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein pitch in the clash with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana last month, and defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forward Cyriel Dessers are also out injured.
However, Chelle welcomes back Osimhen (who missed the clash with the Bafana after sustaining an injury against Rwanda in Uyo days earlier), and the triumvirate that shone brightly at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations (the others being Ademola Lookman and Simon Moses) is intact for this big challenge.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is most likely to retain his place in goal, with Captain William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi and Benjamin Frederick all in line for shirts in the defence line, and Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi and Christantus Uche available for selection in midfield.
Osimhen, Lookman and Moses are top for the fore, but Chelle also has Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi and Jerome Akor Adams all in good form.
21 Super Eagles to battle Lesotho in Polokwane:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)
In a demonstration of seriousness attached to Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, an impressive 18 players yesterday underwent Super Eagles’ first training in Polokwane, South Africa.
In the mix under Coach Eric Sekou Chelle and his assistants, were the team’s leaders including captain
Wilfred Troost Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi , Moses Simon , Victor Osimhen and African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.
There was the also the full contingent from England-based stars including the Fulham’s trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze as well as Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare and defender Semi Ajayi.
The three invited goalkeepers including South Africa-based Stanley Nwabali as well as Tanzania –based Amas Obasogie and Greece-based Adebayo Adeleye were also at the team’s first session in the Limpopo province of South Africa. They were complemented by the quartet of Chrisantus Uche, Bruno Onyemaechi , Benjamin Fredrick and Terem Moffi who’s making a return to the fold after a long injury-enforced absence.
The 18 players that trained yesterday in Polokwane represented over 75 per cent of the players invited for the upcoming double header against Lesotho and Benin as the Super Eagles intensify their training sessions for the two must-win encounters in this October International window starting with Friday’s away match to Lesotho and next Tuesday’s match in Uyo against The Cheetahs of Benin.
Though there was no official statement, the late arrivals of the remaining five players including
Akor Adams (Sevilla), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen) , Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City) and Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution), might not be unconnected with delay in procuring an entry visas to South Africa as widely reported on Monday.
A top official of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) had hinted on Monday that just three players were in dire straits as per getting entry visas into the former apartheid enclave.
But it remains to be seen when these players will join the camp as the build up to Friday’s showdown at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane gathers steam.
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Benjamin Fredrick (Dender, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France).
PLAYERS YET TO ARRIVE IN POLOKWANE:
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno , Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA),Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).
Mikel Obi has challenged the Super Eagles to take responsibility and deliver the results needed to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive when they face Lesotho on Friday in Polokwane, South Africa.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast alongside Chris McHardy, the former national team captain warned that failing to qualify for a second consecutive tournament would be “a crime” and called on the players to shut out off-field distractions and rise to the occasion.
He described Nigeria’s qualifying campaign as hanging by a thread , adding the situation is still redeemable if the players set their minds to play for their country with their hearts.
“First to qualify, you know, again, we’ve seen, you know, lucky us, um, South Africa has been deducted three points for some reason, ineligible players,” Mikel said. “So that’s good for us. I think right now you can; you can literally say the group is, it’s sort of a shootout group.
“It’s a shootout group. We have Benin at home and go to win both. We have to win both. We have to win both. I don’t care what’s going on. I don’t care what’s happening. I don’t care what’s going on. I need the players. I know; I still know a lot of them in the squad. I need them. We need them. Nigerians need them.”
The Super Eagles sit three points behind South Africa and Benin Republic in Group C and face Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday before returning to Uyo to host Benin.
With just two games left, Mikel said there was no room for error: “Our World Cup fate is in their hands.”
Mikel who rose through every level of Nigerian football, spoke candidly about the inner workings of the national team, adding the Super eagles will have to play out of their skins to book a ticket for the 2026 Mundial.
He continued: “I don’t speak a lot about the national team because I know what’s going on. I know what’s happening. For so many years, I probably am the only player. I’m not sure. I probably am the only player who played the under-17, the under-20, the under-23 and the Super Eagles. I played the whole rank. And the Olympics. Yeah. Which is the under-23.
“So I know deep down inside what goes on there. I know. I understand the players, but when you come to this stage of the tournament, every one of those players’ problems from the top goes away. It goes away. It goes out of the window. It’s about the players. It’s about the players taking responsibility and knowing our World Cup fate is in their hands.”
The former Lyn Oslo midfielder didn’t shy away from criticising the Nigeria Football Federation but stressed that now was not the time for excuses.
“It’s right now in the hands of the players. Yes. The NFF, the board, they are who they are, the corruption that is going on, the issues that are going on there… all that goes out of the window.
“Win your two games, the players win your two games and qualify, and then the whole thing – we can talk about the whole thing another day, but our World Cup fate is in their hands, and I’m begging them. I’m with my whole heart begging the players on behalf of Nigerians.”
