Hopes appeared to fade after the Super Eagles were held to a draw by South Africa in their last outing, a game where Calvin Bassey’s equaliser cancelled out William Troost-Ekong’s own goal.
However, the three-time African champions have since received a timely boost after FIFA deducted three points from Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player, a decision that has reignited Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
Even so, Eric Chelle’s men know that only a victory will keep their dream alive, while also relying on South Africa and Benin to drop points elsewhere.
Lesotho, on the other hand, will head into the encounter brimming with belief after holding Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. In that match, Motlomelo Mkwanazi put them ahead before Semi Ajayi rescued a point for the hosts.
As things stand, the Super Eagles sit third in Group C with 11 points, while Leslie Notsi’s side occupy fifth place from the same number of matches.
Below, Flashscore provides all the essential information ahead of this crucial encounter including kickoff details, broadcast schedules, referee assignments, and more.
When is the World Cup qualifier?
The match between Nigeria and Lesotho is scheduled for 17:00 (West African Time) on Friday, October 10.
Where can you watch the game on TV?
Date: October 10th, 2025
Time: 17:00 WAT
Channels: SuperSport, FIFA Youtube
Nigeria’s squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Benjamin Fredrick (Dender, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Uche Chrisantus (Crystal Palace, England), Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France), Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)
Nigeria's possible XI: Nwabali, Bassey, Fredrick, Sanusi, Onyemaechi, Iwobi, Ndidi, Chukwueze, Uche, Lookman, Osimhen
Lesotho's squad:
Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane (Orbit College), Leluma Mofoka (Matlama FC), Mosoeu Seahlolo (LCS FC)
Defenders: Mphale Mphalaole (Liol FC), Motlomelo Mkwanaz (Bantu FC), Thabang Malane (African Stars), Siyabhonga Manyaka (Majantja FC), Fusi Matlabe (Loli FC), Mohlom Makhetha (Lijabatho FC), Rethabile Mokokoane (Matlama FC), Thaba Makhele (Siwele FC)
Midfielders: Kananelo Rapuleng (Bantu FC), Lehlohonolo Matsau (LDF FC), Tsepang Sefali (Linare Linare FC), Halifele Moqokola (Lioli FC), Neo Mokhachane (Jwaneng Galaxy), Hlompho Kalake (Lioli FC), Jane Tsotleho (Lijabatho FC), Makara Ntaitsane (LCS FC), Tsepo Toloane (LDF FC)
Forwards: Jane Thabantso (Matiama FC), Motebang Sera (Venda Academy), Keketso Snyders (LCS FC)
Lesotho's possible XI: Moerane, Mphalaole, Makhele, Manyaka, Malane, Rapuleng, Matsau, Sefali, Toloane, Snyders, Sera
Where is the match?
Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
The Peter Mokaba Stadium is a football and rugby venue built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Named after former ANC Youth League leader Peter Mokaba, it seats 45,500 spectators (reduced to 41,733 during the World Cup) and lies just east of the old stadium, about 3 km from the city centre.
Constructed at a cost of R1.245 billion, it replaced plans to upgrade the old facility. The stadium features a Desso GrassMaster pitch, combining natural grass with artificial fibres, and offers accessibility through public transport links, parking, wheelchair areas, and clear signage for visitors.
What has been said ahead of the match?
“We’re optimistic, and we’re always going to fight till the end,” Troost-Ekong told the Super Eagles media.
“We believe and we’re never going to stop believing, two important games, Friday, the first one, and after that we get back to Nigeria. Our focus now is on Lesotho.
“The boys are in camp, focused, and the spirit is high. It’s been the same for us; we have to win this game. We are very optimistic and focused on the game on Friday.”