Victor Osimhen has been named in the Super Eagles starting line-up for the all-important 2026 World Cup Group C qualifier against Lesotho in Polokwane.
Galatasaray’s striker returned to the team after missing the last game against South Africa. He had suffered a bruised shin in the match against Rwanda in Uyo and had to be subbed off early in the game.
The injury sidelined Osimhen for a couple of games before he returned to action with his club, scoring the winning penalty in their UEFA Champions League (UCL) game against Liverpool to become the first Nigerian to score 10 goals in that competition.
Osimhen will be joined in the Eagles’ attack by Tolu Arokodare, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon.
Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi will be the Eagles’ midfield backbone for the match.
The young Benjamin Frederick keeps his place in the defence and will slot into the troubled right-back position, supported by William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi.
The Super Eagles will face Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa, at 5 pm Nigerian time.
The game is a must-win clash for Nigeria to keep their 2026 World Cup qualification hope alive.
Nigeria are currently in third place with 11 points from eight matches, three points behind leaders Benin and second-placed South Africa, who recently suffered a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player.
The permutations of points and scenarios that the Eagles need to qualify for the World Cup are analysed.
Super Eagles Starting XI: Stanley Nwabali, William Troost-Ekong (C), Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyeamachi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi; Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Osimhen.
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