Lesotho vs Nigeria: Super Eagles’ predicted XI against Crocodiles

Lesotho vs Nigeria: Super Eagles’ predicted XI against Crocodiles


The Super Eagles of Nigeria will lock horns with Lesotho in their penultimate game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

While Lesotho can no longer qualify for the Mundial, Nigeria enter the game with a glimmer of hope, and they need to defeat the Crocodiles so that glimmer of hope stays alive.

The Super Eagles have the better quality on paper and should be able to grab the win. But they have often faltered, even against the easiest of opponents.

Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze 11 argues with the Jamaica players
Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze 11 argues with the Jamaica players (photo by Imago)

Recall that the reverse fixture which was played in Nigeria ended in a 1-1 stalemate. So, the Crocodiles will be positive that they can get something from the game slated for the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has most of his best legs available for the clash except Ola Aina, who is recovering from an injury. So he will be expected to field a solid lineup.

Chelle, coach of the Super Eagles, looks on during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Nigeria and Rwanda sAmavubi, which Nigeria -at Godswill Akpabio
Chelle, coach of the Super Eagles, looks on during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Nigeria and Rwanda sAmavubi, which Nigeria -at Godswill Akpabio Copyright: ImagoxAdekunlexAjayi

Ahead of the game on Friday, Soccernet.ng predicts the starting lineup for Nigeria against Lesotho on Friday.

Predicted Super Eagles Lineup

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle likes to play a 4-4-2 formation, and it is expected that he will deploy the same formation once more against Lesotho.

Chippa United shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali will maintain his place between the sticks for Nigeria once more.

But there might be a shake-up in the backline due to injuries to Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Zaidu Sanusi could have played, but he just arrived in camp on Wednesday night.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Victor Osimhen and Ola Aina Super Eagles are all injured
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Victor Osimhen and Ola Aina Super Eagles are all injured. (Photo by Imago)

As such, Benjamin Fredrick will partner will partner William Troost-Ekong. Then, Calvin Bassey will fill in at left-back, while Bruno Onyemaechi will fill in at right back.

In the middle of the park, Wilfred Ndidi will partner Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, while Ademola Lookman will play the advanced role. Then, in the attack, Victor Osimhen will partner Tolu Arokodare.

Super eagles players Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ola Aina
Super eagles players Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ola Aina (photo credit: Imago)

Super Eagles Predicted XI: Stanley Nwabali; William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman; Tolu Arokodare, Victor Osimhen.





Source: Soccernet

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *