The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in a situation where they must win their last two matches to stand a chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lesotho is one of the teams, and they will face off at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday evening in a crucial qualifier for Nigeria.
After a disastrous start to the qualification series, Nigeria are in a precarious situation where maximum points in their last two matches do not exactly guarantee qualification nor a place in the gruesome playoffs.
Given how Nigeria have executed the qualifiers so far, betting on Eric Chelle’s men to get maximum points against Lesotho away from home is like trying to light a candle in a hurricane — bold, but wildly unrealistic.
This post provides three reasons why the Super Eagles will drop points against the Crocodiles
3 reasons Super Eagles will drop points against Lesotho
1. Poor away form
The Super Eagles have been poor away from home during the qualification series, with just one win in four attempts, with the latest being the one-all draw away to South Africa. In addition, the three-time African champions have struggled with consistency, securing only two wins out of eight qualifying matches so far, with multiple draws highlighting their difficulty in converting dominance into victories. This pattern of poor run of form could continue against Lesotho, especially given their previous 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture. The Crocodiles are motivated after FIFA awarded them three points and three goals following South Africa’s use of an ineligible player in a fixture between the two sides in March.
2. Error-prone defense and injuries to key defenders
Super Eagles defense is probably their weakest link as they struggle to keep clean sheets. The Super Eagles have only kept one clean sheet in their last four away matches, which suggests they are likely to concede a goal or two, given the opposition. In addition, players like Williams Troost-Ekong, Bruno Onyeamachi have shown to be uncomfortable on the ball, especially when under pressure – a weakness Lesotho could capitalize on on Friday. The absence of Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel limits the attacking prowess of Nigeria from the right flank.
3. Neutral Venue Advantage for Lesotho
The match is being played at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, serving as a ‘home’ ground for Lesotho due to venue issues, potentially providing them with better familiarity and support, especially from South Africans who would be hoping the Super Eagles drop points, compared to Nigeria’s away setting.
