Nigeria’s are running out of time to turn their World Cup 2026 qualification campaign around as they face Lesotho in a must-win penultimate match.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C, with only top spot guaranteeing participation in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year. The four best second-place teams will then enter the ever-dangerous play-offs vying to qualify.
Placed three points behind Benin and South Africa in the two spots above them, Eric Chelle’s side will feel they need six points from six to give them any hope of either outcome, though their chances were recently boosted when Bafana Bafana were docked three points for fielding an ineligible player earlier in qualifying.
Lesotho will meanwhile look to cause an upset and effectively end Nigeria’s hopes of qualification by keeping their own World Cup dreams alive, with it still mathematically possible that the enclaved country can close the five-point gap between themselves and the top two.
Follow all the latest build-up, team news and minute-by-minute updates from the game in our live blog below:
Lesotho vs Nigeria live
- Nigeria take on Lesotho needing a win to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive | Live on Fifa+
- 83' GOAL! Kalake comes off bench to score for hosts (LES 1-2 NGA)
- 80' GOAL! Adams doubles lead on debut (LES 0-2 NGA)
- 55' GOAL! Troost-Ekong slots home a penalty (LES 0-1 NGA)
- The Super Eagles are third in Group C with two games to play
- Only top spot guarantees a place in next year's finals, with the four best second-place teams entering the playoffs
Full-time! Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria
18:53 , Mike JonesNigeria have done it!
They manage to get the crucial three points that they needed to keep themselves in the hunt for a World Cup place.
South Africa have drawn meaning that Nigeria can still finish either first or second in Group C.
Benin’s victory over Rwanda means the Super Eagles must beat Benin in the final group game in order to have a chance of qualifying.
Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria
18:51 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Benin have scored against Rwanda meaning they will remain three points clear of Nigeria is the Super Eagles manage to win this match.
Benin and Nigeria play each other in the final match of qualifying.
Two minutes to play.
Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria
18:48 , Mike Jones90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play before Nigeria are safe and secure.
As thing stand they will move within one point of both South Africa and Benin in Group C.
A draw won’t help them, they need all three points.
Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria
18:45 , Mike Jones86 mins: There are nerves in the Nigerian team now.
Lesotho have the momentum and the belief that they can get something out of this game.
Nigeria need to get to the final whistle.
GOAL! Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria (Hlompho Kalake, 83')
18:41 , Mike JonesIt’s not game over yet!
The Crocodiles get themselves a goal as a corner kick lands favourably to Hlompho Kalake.
He whips a shot over the top of the goalkeeper and finds the net to set up a tense finish.
GOAL! Lesotho 0-2 Nigeria (Akor Adams, 80')
18:39 , Mike JonesPerfect from Nigeria!
A goal made by Victor Osimhen who is fed the ball on the right side of the penalty area.
He could shoot but decides to pull it back to Akor Adams instead.
The substitute, on his debut, takes a touch then drills his effort past Sekhoane to double the lead.
Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria
18:36 , Mike Jones78 mins: Post!
Sekhoane keeps Lesotho in the game after so fine footwork from Osimhen.
He receives the ball in the box, dribbles through two defenders then shoots.
The goalkeeper gets a touch to the ball and pushes it onto the near post where it deflects behind for a corner.
Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria
18:33 , Mike Jones75 mins: 15 minutes still to play here and Nigeria are being forced to defend more than they’d like.
They are still trying to add to their own score but Lesotho are hoping find that equaliser.
Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria
18:27 , Mike Jones69 mins: Lesotho win a free kick over on the left side of Nigeria’s final third.
The set piece gets swung into the penalty area and is nodded wide of the target by Thabo Makhele.
Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria
18:24 , Mike Jones66 mins: A break in play now as Fusi Matlabe takes a knock and needs a bit of a break.
The physios come onto the pitch to see to him and he seems fine to continue.
Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria
18:21 , Mike Jones63 mins: How are Nigeria not further in front?!
Osimhen is slipped a through ball and carries it into the box. He chips the charging goalkeeper but sends his effort onto the far post!
The attack doesn’t stop there and a follow up shot is blocked on the line before getting smothered by Sekhoane.
Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria
18:18 , Mike Jones60 mins: Moses Simon delivers a cross after a short corner.
Wilfired Ndidi leaps high to win the ball and nods it towards goal only to float the effort over the crossbar.
Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria
18:15 , Mike Jones58 mins: Nigeria are turning up the heat again.
They whip a cross in from the right once more and this time it drops of Alex Iwobi.
He meets it with a fine header but powers it straight into the arms of Sekhoane.
GOAL! Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria (William Troost-Ekong, 55')
18:14 , Mike JonesThe captain steps up to take the penalty kick. He guides it along the floor and picks out the bottom right hand corner.
The goalkeeper dives the correct way but can’t reach the ball and Nigeria take the lead!
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
18:11 , Mike Jones53 mins: Penalty to Nigeria!
A handball, judged against Motlomelo Mkwanazi, after he blocked a shot from Moses Simon gives the Super Eagles the chance they need.
Can they score now?
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
18:08 , Mike Jones51 mins: Close! Lookman darts down the right side and receives the ball.
He twists past the nearest defender then fizzes a pass towards the near post.
Arokodane arrives and guides the ball towards goal but Sekohoane makes another great save low to his left.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
18:04 , Mike Jones48 mins: A cross from the right finds Osimhen but he’s a long way out from goal and his header ends up with the goalkeeper again.
It’s been a frustrating game for the forward so far.
Second half! Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
18:03 , Mike JonesBoth teams need to win this match but that urgency hasn’t been seen yet.
Will the second half provide more drama?
HT Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:55 , Mike JonesThe good news for Nigeria is that the other two matches in Group C are also 0-0 draws at the break.
That means they still have a chance of closing the gap on both Benin and South Africa if they managed to beat Lesotho and the other games remain goalless.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:47 , Mike Jones45+1 mins: The whistle goes.
No goals in the first half and time is ticking away for Nigeria’s World Cup prospects.
Can they get the win and a crucial three points in the second half?
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:42 , Mike Jones42 mins: Lesotho repel another Nigeria attack and storm forward.
Mokokoane keeps the ball alive and rolls it back to Jane Tsotleho who blazes his effort high and wide.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:38 , Mike Jones38 mins: Close! Osimhen beats his marker to get on the end of a cross from the right wing.
He wins the header and powers a chance at goal only for Sekhoane to keep out the effort.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:37 , Mike Jones35 mins: Lesotho resort to a long ball after turning the ball over in midfield.
A runner from deep collects the ball but the offside flag is raised immediately.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:32 , Mike Jones30 mins: Oh hello!
Lesotho have a couple of early shots when they go forward. The first is easily blocked on the edge of the box but the ball squirts over to Thabnag Malane who takes a touch and then blazes his effort just wide of the nearest post.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:28 , Mike Jones27 mins: Wilfred Ndidi receives the ball on the right and lofts it straight into the arms of Sekhoane.
Another incident of not reading the play and giving up possession.
Osimhen was the closest striker to receive the pass but he has no chance to get the ball before it drops into the hands of the goalkeeper.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:26 , Mike Jones24 mins: A big issue for Nigeria is how poor they’ve been trying to pass the ball.
Lesotho have a back five and there’s less space to operate in but Lookman gives the ball away and another promising position is wasted.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:23 , Mike Jones21 mins: A corner kick for Nigeria is aimed at the captain, Troost-Ekong, but the hosts manage to clear the danger.
Nigeria recover the ball and float a cross back into the middle but Sekoane comes out to claim it once again.
Good goalkeeping.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:19 , Mike Jones18 mins: Lesotho have never qualified for the World Cup.
They are still in with the most outside of outside chances this time but must win both of their last two matches and hope no-one above them wins either.
So far they’ve done a good job at halting Nigeria’s attacks but haven’t offered much in their opponents final third.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:15 , Mike Jones15 mins: Lesotho smoke a long free kick into the box but William Troost-Ekong is there to nod the ball away.
His clearance sparks a break for Victor Osimhen who chases downa forward ball from Alex Iwobi.
Sekoane is outside his area but manages to clear the danger before Osimhen closes his down.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:13 , Mike Jones12 mins: There have been a few brief sparks of life from Lesotho but nothing to write home about yet.
At the other end of the pitch, Nigeria attack through Ademola Lookman who bursts down the left.
He hangs a high cross into the box and picks out Arokodare who powers a headed effort over the crossbar.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:10 , Mike Jones9 mins: A high cross is whipped into the Lesotho penalty area with Tolu Arokodare the target.
He looks to have a clear sight on goal but Sekoane Moerane comes off his line and plucks the ball out of the air.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:06 , Mike Jones6 mins: Moses Simon looks to keep the ball at his feet as he weaves inside from the right wing.
He gets as far as the front edge of the box before getting tackled and losing the ball.
Nigeria are dominating possession so far but haven’t had a chance on goal yet.
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:02 , Mike Jones3 mins: The noise is loud inside the stadium with horns being blown in support and distraction.
Victor Osimhen collects a long ball and pulls a pass back into the middle.
Lesotho turn over possession and feed it to Rethabile Mokokoane but he doesn’t have the space to drive forward.
Kick off! Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
17:01 , Mike JonesNigeria get the ball rolling for this crucial qualifier. They must win today to have any hopes of making it to the World Cup.
World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?
16:55 , Mike JonesAfrica
Qualifying places available: Nine, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria
Qualification among Caf nations takes places across nine groups that consist of six teams each. Each group winners takes one of the nine available places.
The process began in November 2023, with the final group fixtures taking place this month. Cape Verde are just one win away from a historic qualification spot.
The best four runners-up enter a play-off, with the play-off winners then entering the intercontinental play-offs.
World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?
16:50 , Mike JonesAsia
Qualifying places available: Eight, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia
Japan and Iran became the first to book their places in the Americas for 2026, while Uzbekistan, Jordan, South Korea and Australia have also qualified.
Those in third and fourth in the group stage, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, advanced to a mini round-robin fourth round and still have a chance to qualify. There is then a fifth round.
World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?
16:45 , Mike JonesAmericas
Qualifying places available: Six (including three hosts USA, Canada and Mexico), plus two into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: None through qualifying (USA, Canada and Mexico automatically as co-hosts)
With the three co-hosts already through, competition has opened up for the six places available to Concacaf nations.
The format has changed slightly, consisting of six five-team groups with the top two sides advancing to the third round.
This next round then sees three four-team groups taking part, with the winners booking a place at the World Cup and the two highest-ranked runners-up going into the intercontinental play-offs.
World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?
16:40 , Mike JonesOceania
Qualifying places available: One, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: New Zealand
New Zealand have been the first benefactors of the expanded tournament, as they have automatically qualified for the 2026 edition via the only place available to Oceanic nations.
Qualifying has already ended, with New Caledonia having earned a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
These play-offs decide the final two teams to enter the tournament, and they consist of six teams – one from the Afc, Caf, Conmebol and Ofc, along with two teams from Concacaf.
Each team will be ranked according to world ranking, with the two highest receiving a bye to the finals. The other four will compete in two semi-finals, with the winners then facing the top two sides.
Whoever wins those two matches will take the last places ahead of the first match on 11 June.
World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?
16:35 , Mike JonesSouth America
Qualifying places available: Six, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay
World Cup champions Argentina became the first side to qualify shortly, with Ecuador finishing as surprise runners up. Brazil went through despite finishing fifth, with Colombia, Uruguay and Paraguay also advancing.
Bolivia, who finished seventh, will enter the intercontinental play-offs (more on those below).
World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?
16:30 , Mike JonesEurope
Qualifying places available: 16
Teams already qualified: None
No Uefa countries have qualified for 2026 yet, though there’s plenty to play for with 16 places available to European sides.
European qualifying consists of 12 groups, with the group winners all qualifying automatically and the second-placed teams going into a set of play-offs that also includes the four highest-ranked Nations League group winners that have not already qualified. The winners of these play-offs will take the final four spots.
The group stages end in November, with the play-offs taking place in March 2026.
World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?
16:24 , Mike JonesAlgeria and Egypt have become the latest teams to qualify for the World Cup 2026, with more set to join them as international qualification resumes.
With the co-hosts USA, Canada and Mexico, there are now 22 countries confirmed, including two debutants with Jordan and Uzbekistan through to the 48-team finals.
This format means that more nations than ever will qualify from each of the seven main federations, but despite some spots already having been secured, teams in Europe still have a long way to go in their qualifying campaigns.
Thomas Tuchel’s ‘silent Wembley’ criticism brings unwanted distraction after England’s progress
16:18 , Jack RathbornSeveral paper airplanes took a sharp flight down towards the dugouts at Wembley Stadium as England drifted a little during the second half of their 3-0 thrashing of Wales.
It was perhaps at this moment, with some fans distracted in a game long since settled, that Thomas Tuchel became irritated by a lack of energy from supporters. The German had emphasised how it was “silent” despite their breathtaking display.
He had seen Morgan Rogers dazzle, Ollie Watkins strike in relief of the injured Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka deliver a rasping strike into the top corner of the net to turn cheers into gasps of admiration.
Tuchel’s Wembley criticism brings unwanted distraction from England’s progress
Can Nigeria still qualify for the World Cup?
16:12 , Mike JonesLast month’s 1-1 draw against South Africa left the three-time African champions six points behind Hugo Broos’s side, effectively ending their hopes of a seventh finals appearance.
However, South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in March was later switched to a 3-0 defeat due to Teboho Mokoena’s ineligibility for that fixture.
That means there are just three points separating the top three teams in Group C and Nigeria still have a chance to qualify.
Lesotho vs Nigeria line-ups
16:03 , Mike JonesNigeria XI:
Locked in and ready for battle! 🔐
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 10, 2025
Here’s how the Super Eagles line up against Lesotho 🇱🇸 in today’s #FIFAWCQ clash. #LESNGA #SoarSuperEagles #Naija4theWin pic.twitter.com/gpCkbJulWV
Lesotho early team news
15:54 , Mike JonesLesotho’s key stars will look to use familiar territory to their advantage, with South Africa–based stars such as captain Sekhoane Moerane, Thabo Makhele and Motebang Sera, all of whom featured for their respective clubs in the Premier Soccer League over the weekend, in the squad.
Nigeria early team news
15:48 , Mike JonesChelle went into the international break without Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina and has since had to withdraw Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers due to injury.
Nigeria will lean on the forces of Victor Osimhen, who has been in good form for Galatasaray since returning from his own spell on the treatment table.
How can I watch it?
15:42 , Mike JonesViewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live via the Fifa+ streaming service.
When is Lesotho vs Nigeria?
15:36 , Mike JonesNigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifying clash against Lesotho kicks off at 5pm BST on Friday 10 October at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Scotland dig deep to beat Greece and keep World Cup dream on track
15:30 , Mike JonesLewis Ferguson netted his first Scotland goal as Steve Clarke’s side came from behind to beat Greece 3-1 and maintain their promising start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Scotland were outplayed before Kostas Tsimikas fired the visitors into a 62nd-minute lead at Hampden. But Ryan Christie levelled within two minutes following his own corner and Ferguson marked his 19th cap with a goal 10 minutes from time as Scotland capitalised on another set-piece.
Scotland dig deep to beat Greece and keep World Cup dream on track
Son of Zinedine Zidane called up to international squad after switching allegiance
15:24 , Mike JonesLuca Zidane, son of France great Zinedine Zidane, has been called up to Algeria’s squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Somalia and Uganda after switching allegiance to the country where his grandparents hailed from.
The goalkeeper, who played for France at junior level, made the switch after the move was approved by football's world governing body FIFA last month.
Son of Zinedine Zidane called up to international squad after switching allegiance
The tiny African nation one win away from qualifying for its first-ever World Cup
15:18 , Mike JonesThe Cape Verde Islands stand on the brink of a historic World Cup qualification, requiring just one victory from their next two matches to secure a place in next year's tournament.
This achievement would underscore the remarkable progress of a nation that, two decades ago, had barely registered on the international football stage.
South Africa docked qualifying points over ineligible player in huge blow to World Cup hopes
15:06 , Mike JonesSouth Africa have been stripped of three points in their World Cup qualifying campaign for fielding an ineligible player, denting their hopes of reaching next year's finals.
Fifa said on Monday that its disciplinary committee had found South Africa guilty of playing midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a 2-0 home win over Lesotho in March when he should have sat out the qualifier after two cautions in previous Group C games.
South Africa docked qualifying points in huge blow to World Cup hopes
Lesotho vs Nigeria
15:00 , Mike JonesNigeria’s pursuit of 2026 World Cup qualification is entering crunch time as they take on Lesotho in a crucial clash.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C, with only top spot guaranteeing participation in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year. The four best second-place teams will then enter the play-offs vying to qualify.
Placed three points behind Benin and South Africa in the two spots above them, Eric Chelle’s side are now desperate to secure six points in their next pair of outings to give them any hope of either outcome, but their chances were recently boosted when Bafana Bafana were docked three points for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the qualifying campaign.
Lesotho will meanwhile look to cause an upset and effectively end Nigeria’s hopes of qualification by keeping their own World Cup dreams alive, with it still mathematically possible that the enclaved country can close the five-point gap between themselves and the top two.
Good afternoon!
13:25 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of the World Cup qualifiers.
We usually focus on the European side of things but today’s action comes from the African qualifiers were Nigeria are in a bit of trouble.
They sit third in Group C with two matches to play and only the top team in each group is guaranteed a place at the World Cup.
The Super Eagles need to win their last two matches and hope other results also go there way.
We’ll have the latest permutations, team news and updates throughout the day so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 5pm.
