All eyes are on the New Peter Mokaba Stadium this Friday as Nigeria’s Super Eagles face the Crocodiles of Lesotho in a match that could make or break their 2026 World Cup ambitions. After a 1–1 draw with South Africa in September, Nigeria’s path to the finals narrowed sharply and they now must win both remaining matches and rely on slip ups from rivals to have any shot at qualification. 

Compounding the pressure is a recent ruling by FIFA that stripped South Africa of three points for fielding an ineligible player in a past fixture, a development that has given the Super Eagles a sliver of hope in Group C.  Coach Éric Chelle has called for intensity, urging his squad to seize control early and stay sharp throughout.