Home / Sports / Lesotho Hosts Nigeria in Crucial World Cup Qualifier Clash
Lesotho Hosts Nigeria in Crucial World Cup Qualifier Clash
9 Oct
Summary
- Lesotho to host Nigeria in African World Cup qualifier
- South Africa docked 3 points, shaking up Group C standings
- Benin and South Africa tied for top spot with 14 points each

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Africa reach a critical stage, the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, will host a highly anticipated clash this Friday, October 10, 2025, between Lesotho and Nigeria.
Group C of the African qualifiers has been one of the most hotly contested, with a fierce battle between Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, and Rwanda for a spot at the World Cup. However, a recent decision by FIFA to deduct 3 points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player has completely shaken up the standings. Benin has now taken the top spot with 14 points, tied with South Africa but holding a better goal difference.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will first travel to Polokwane to face Lesotho, before hosting Benin on October 14th in a decisive qualification showdown. With the group so tightly contested, these upcoming matches will be crucial in determining which teams advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.