Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has called for total concentration and intensity from his players as Nigeria face Lesotho in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday.
The match is a must-win for the three-time African champions, who are yet to record a victory in the qualifying campaign.
Nigeria currently sit outside the top spot in Group C and must win their remaining fixtures against Lesotho and Benin to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The Super Eagles have been training in South Africa ahead of the encounter, with key players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi all expected to feature.
Speaking ahead of the game, Chelle emphasised that qualification for the World Cup is still open and that every team in the group has a chance.
He, however, warned his players that only full focus and commitment would see them through.
“Everybody can go to the World Cup. This is football, anything can happen during the game because of the weather, the referee, injuries, or other factors. So, we need to stay focused on what we want from this game,” Chelle said.
Eric Chelle at the post match press conference after the draw with South Africa. Photo Credit: Osasu/X
The Franco-Malian tactician also stressed the importance of starting the match with purpose and maintaining aggression from the first whistle.
“We want to have this victory, and after that, there will be another game. So, for sure, we must be 100% focused on this match tomorrow against Lesotho, a great team with a good coach.
We need to start well, with a lot of intensity and aggressiveness, to score and to win this game.”
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Nigeria will be looking to avoid another slip-up after a slow start to their campaign, with fans expecting a strong response from the team.
The match between Lesotho and Nigeria will kick off at 5:00 p.m. (Nigeria time) and 6:00 p.m. local time. It will be broadcast live on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Variety, and NTA Sports.
Nigeria Super Eagles and head coach Eric Chelle. Photo Credit X
Chelle, who took charge of the Super Eagles in January 2025, will be hope to secure Nigeria’s third win in the qualifiers after match day 8 draw against South Africa.
The players will also be eager to deliver a convincing performance, having endured a disappointing run of results earlier in the qualifying campaign.
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Nigeria’s final group match will be at home to Benin Republic, another must-win encounter that could determine their World Cup fate.
