The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, face critical matches in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With only a few games left in the CAF Group C qualifiers, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has emphasized the importance of victory against Lesotho and Benin as a must to keep Nigeria's World Cup dream alive.
Currently positioned fourth in the group behind Benin, South Africa, and Rwanda, Nigeria sits on 11 points after eight matches. The winner of the group qualifies directly, while the best runners-up still have a chance through playoff rounds. The Super Eagles have four games remaining, including a crucial away game against Lesotho on October 10, 2025, followed by a home match against Benin a week later.
Ndidi, speaking ahead of the Lesotho match, stressed that the team must come out strongly and secure maximum points from both fixtures to maintain qualification hopes. He acknowledged the tough competition in the group but expressed confidence in the squad's ability to rise to the challenge, citing the recent boost in team morale and preparation.
The match against Lesotho will be held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, marking a challenging away fixture. Nigeria's head coach, Eric Chelle, has called up key players including striker Victor Osimhen and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, indicating a push for full strength in these decisive matches.
The Super Eagles have endured a rocky start with draws and losses earlier in the campaign but secured a crucial win over Rwanda in March 2025. The next two victories are now imperative to keep their World Cup ambitions intact as they chase the CAF Group C leaders.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely as Nigeria inches towards the climax of their qualifying journey for the World Cup scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Victory against Lesotho and Benin could be the pivotal step toward reclaiming Nigeria's place on football's biggest stage.