Super Eagles vs Lesotho: Build up to Nigeria's 1st 2026 World Cup qualifier
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to return to action in this window of the international break.
During the last international break, the Super Eagles had international friendly games against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
Now they return for a competitive game with the aim of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles did not make the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and now approach the qualifiers with a serious mindset.
For this month's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, head coach Jose Santos Peseiro has invited a list of 23 players, including defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, defenders Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, and attackers Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Terem Moffi are also present.
Sadiq Umar, a striker based in Spain, also returns after a protracted absence.
After a protracted injury layoff, defender Jamilu Collins returns, and striker Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen, Germany, receives his first-ever call-up.
The Super Eagles play the Crocodiles of Lesotho at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
They then travel to Rwanda on Monday, November 20, for a matchup with the Warriors of Zimbabwe at Huye Stadium in Butare.
This game serves as the first leg of the Super Eagles' journey to the massive house party in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.
Nigeria has won four and drew one of their previous five games in all competitions, going undefeated.
In friendlies, they defeated Mozambique 3-2 away from home and drew 2-2 with Saudi Arabia.
When the Super Eagles play Lesotho on Thursday in their World Cup qualifying campaign, they aim to repeat their recent stellar performance.
Nigeria and Lesotho have met on three separate occasions in the past.
The first meeting was a 2-0 win at the AFCON in 2007, the second was a 4-2 win at the AFCON in 2019, and the final one was a 3-0 win at the 2021 AFCON.
Lesotho has played five games in all competitions, winning two and losing three, indicating that they are not at their best right now.
Despite failing to score in their previous two games, they will aim to impress this week when they play Nigeria in Akwa Ibom.The Super Eagles of Nigeria take on the Crocodiles of Lesotho on Thursday, November 16, 2023.
The game will kick off at 5 PM Nigerian time
