ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigeria’s Super Eagles have named a high-intensity starting lineup for Friday’s pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, with captain William Troost-Ekong anchoring a side under pressure to deliver a win and keep their qualification hopes alive.
With two matches remaining in Group C, Nigeria sits third on 11 points—three behind joint leaders Benin Republic and South Africa, who each have 14. Only the group winner secures automatic qualification, making victory at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja non-negotiable for the Eagles.
Head coach Eric Chelle has opted for a direct attacking setup, pairing Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare up front. The duo will be supported by midfielders Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon, both tasked with unlocking Lesotho’s disciplined defensive structure through quick transitions and incisive passing.
Stanley Nwabali retains his place in goal, shielded by a back four of Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, and Wilfred Ndidi—who has been deployed in a hybrid defensive role to reinforce midfield control and aerial coverage.
Ademola Lookman and Tochukwu Onyemaechi complete the starting XI, expected to provide width and pace in wide areas. Chelle’s tactical blueprint suggests a pressing game aimed at dominating possession and exploiting Lesotho’s vulnerabilities on the counter.
On the bench, Nigeria boasts depth and versatility, with Samuel Chukwueze, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Terem Moffi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel among the substitutes. The squad also includes Adebayo, Sanusi, Abdullahi, Obasogie, Uche, and Adams.
The match arrives amid growing scrutiny of the Super Eagles’ form. Nigeria has managed just two wins from eight qualifiers, drawing five and losing one—a record that has left fans frustrated and analysts questioning the team’s tactical cohesion and mental resilience.
Responding to criticism, Chelle said in Thursday’s pre-match briefing, “We know what’s at stake. The players are focused, and we’ve worked hard to address the lapses seen in previous games. This is a moment to show character.”
Nigeria’s qualification hopes were revived last month when FIFA penalized South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, docking them three points and narrowing the gap at the top of Group C. That ruling has turned Friday’s fixture into a potential turning point in the campaign.
Victory against Lesotho would keep Nigeria in contention heading into the final group match against Benin Republic. Anything less could leave the Eagles’ World Cup ambitions hanging by a thread.
