Nigeria vs Lesotho: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Super Eagles look for a winning start in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after hosting Lesotho at their home.

Nigeria and Lesotho’s encounter in the FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers looks to be an exciting match. This game will be played for a position in the most prestigious football tournament in the world as well as national pride. Nigeria is a powerful football nation with a long history. The Super Eagles wants to prove that it is the best and qualify for the World Cup of 2026.

Lesotho is a fairly young football-playing nation which wants to establish itself internationally. The Super Eagles want to keep up their dominance, while Lesotho wants to cause a historic surprise and fulfil its footballing goals. This is the first match of the competition and will start the point standings of the Group C table.

Kick-off

Thursday, 16th November 2023, 4:00 PM GMT; 9:30 PM IST

Location: Godswill Akpabio Stadium

Form

Nigeria (in all competitions): W-W-W-D-W

Lesotho (in all competitions): L-L-W-L-W

Players to watch for

Alex Iwobi – Nigeria

Nigerian midfielder-forward Alex Iwobi plays for Premier League team Fulham, is an important member of both his club and his country’s team. Iwobi is renowned for his quickness, dribbling skills and ability to create opportunities. He has been a reliable member of the Super Eagles for a long time and has added playmaking and goalscoring opportunities. He adds a great deal of inventiveness and a strong work ethic to Nigeria’s offensive.

Basia Makepe – Lesotho

Basia Makepe is a star player and captain for Lesotho football team. Makepe’s commitment to the game and his accomplishments for the national team are noteworthy, despite his lack of recognition compared to some other players. His progress might be crucial to Lesotho’s football journey as he adds youthful enthusiasm and potential to the team. He will be the one to watch in this game against Nigeria!

Match facts

• This is Round 1 of the World Cup Qualification CAF Group C.
• Lesotho haven’t recorded any victories in any competition since 2019, have also never qualified for the final stage of an Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
• Three prior meetings between Nigeria and Lesotho ended in Super Eagles victories, all by an aggregate score of 7-2.

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Injury and team news

The Super Eagles of Nigeria face a difficult situation in light of injury and squad news for the next game. With important players like Victor Osimhen in doubt, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bruno Onyemaechi and Samuel Chukwueze might be out with injury, they are facing a serious setback. Concerns are raised regarding the team’s performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign due to their absence.

Lesotho, on the other hand, seems to be free of suspensions and injury worries, which gives them an edge when it comes to selecting a full strength lineup. The ability of Nigeria’s remaining players to step up in the absence of these important individuals might determine how the game turns out.

Head-to-head

Matches: 3

Nigeria : 3

Lesotho: 0

Draws: 0

Predicted lineup for Nigeria vs Lesotho

Nigeria Predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Okoye; Ebuehi, Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Collins; Ndidi, Aribo, Chukwueze, Iwobi; Osimhen, Onuachu

Lesotho Predicted lineup (4-3-3)

M. Seahlolo; Tseka, Makhetha, Makepe, Mokokoane; Toloane, Mkwanazi, Fothoane; Makha, Sefali, Lebina

Match predictions for Nigeria vs Lesotho

The past performance of Nigeria against Lesotho must be taken into account when making match predictions. Nigeria has prevailed in each of the past three meetings by a good margin. Considering their past performance, Nigeria seems to be the team that is expected to win this encounter. But football is a volatile sport, and Lesotho will be motivated to overcome the odds due to many injuries that Super Eagles are facing. A number of factors, such as the player’s individual performances on match day and coaching tactics, might affect the result.

Nigeria 3 – 1 Lesotho

Telecast 

India – FanCode

UK – None

US – FOX Sports, ESPN

Nigeria – AIT, SuperSport

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