The Super Eagles could hardly have imagined heading into the clash against Lesotho with higher hopes of clinching the automatic ticket from Group C to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, FIFA’s decision to sanction South Africa by deducting three points for fielding an ineligible player in one of their qualifying matches has thrown the group wide open, giving Nigeria renewed hopes after their draw against Bafana Bafana in September.
Eric Chelle’s men must secure victory and hope for favourable results in other group matches to book their ticket at the showpiece event.
Here are five players capable of making a difference in the tie.
Victor Osimhen
Nigeria will be greatly boosted by the return of Victor Osimhen, who missed most of last month’s qualifiers with injury.
The Galatasaray striker was injured in the first half of the clash against Rwanda and was greatly missed against South Africa, as the Super Eagles struggled to finish off chances.
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Osimhen is second on the Nigeria’s all-time scoring chart and has shown to be very efficient over time in the colors of his country. The 26-year-old’s physicality and presence in the box will be a major threat for the Super Eagles in the crucial clash against Lesotho.
Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi was one of the few bright spots during Nigeria’s last round of qualifying matches.
The Fulham midfielder has been in excellent form for his club and will hope to replicate the performance for his national team.
The versatile midfielder will also hope to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, ‘Austin Jay-Jay Okocha’, by leading Nigeria to a World Cup appearance.
On This Day in 2017@alexiwobi’s strike against Zambia in Uyo sealed Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/jeMIkaOoqY
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 8, 2025
Benjamin Fredrick
Benjamin Fredrick was a surprise inclusion in the starting line up when he made his first competitive start for Nigeria in the Rwanda.
The defender showed no signs of being a rookie and was very composed on the ball.
His interceptions and clearances were timely, and it will be no surprise if he gets the nod to start ahead of captain William Troost-Ekong, who had a shocking performance against South Africa.
Tolu Arokodare
Tolu Arokodare shone in the absence of Victor Osimhen in the previous qualifiers, netting Nigeria’s only goal in the 1-0 result over Rwanda.
The striker is a major option off the bench if the Super Eagles have difficulties in unlocking the Lesotho defense, with his huge figure and impressive work rate.
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Akor Adams
Akor Adams received his maiden call up to the national team and will hope to continue his impressive form, which has seen him score twice in his last two appearances for Sevilla.
The 23-year-old thrives on counter-attack with his blistering pace, which can be helpful in unlocking Lesotho’s defence.
