Lesotho vs Nigeria: Confirmed XI sees Victor Osimhen lead massive attack in Polokwane

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has gone all-out in his approach for Lesotho vs Nigeria, opting for an attack-minded 4-4-2 formation as the Super Eagles continue their push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Franco-Malian tactician has ditched his usual 3-5-2 diamond system for a more direct setup, pairing Victor Osimhen and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ new signing Tolu Arokodare in attack.

Osimhen, now fully fit after missing the clash against South Africa in September, will spearhead the line. The Galatasaray striker has a fine record against Lesotho, with three goals and two assists from their previous meetings in 2019 and 2021.

Nigeria chasing qualification in tight Group C

Nigeria find themselves in a tight race in CAF World Cup Qualifying Group C, where they sit behind Benin and South Africa. With only one automatic qualification spot available, Chelle’s men must defeat both the Crocodiles of Lesotho and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, while hoping that South Africa drop points in their remaining fixtures.

The Super Eagles have enjoyed a dominant record against Lesotho in recent years. In their last three meetings over the past six years, Nigeria have won twice and drawn once. The most recent encounter came earlier in the qualifying series, ending 1-1 in Nigeria under then-coach José Peseiro, with goals from Motlomelo Mkwanazi and Semi Ajayi. Their previous clashes in the 2019 and 2021 AFCON qualifiers saw Nigeria claim 3-0 and 4-2 victories respectively.

Super Eagles XI – Lesotho vs Nigeria

Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Benjamin Frederick, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi
Forwards: Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Ademola Lookman