Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Lesotho on November 16th and Zimbabwe on November 19th in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Lesotho head coach Leslie Nossi has revealed that a lot is at stake when they face one of Africa’s best teams tomorrow at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will take on Lesotho’s Crocodiles tomorrow in Uyo in their Group C opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a bid to grab all the points.
Notch highlighted the challenge of playing against a team with impressive talent, citing the recent narrow loss (0-1) against Ivory Coast, saying the experience had prepared the team for the game against Nigeria. suggested that.
“Well, there’s a lot at stake for us. We play for one of the best countries on the continent. It’s about our sons being in the spotlight. We are aware that we have very difficult encounters ahead, but due to the results we have achieved as a small footballing nation.
“I think this match came at exactly the right time and after we played to the final of the COSAFA Cup in Southern Africa and lost 1-0 against Ivory Coast, we We’ll see if we can compete.” We’re playing a fair battle against one of the best teams in Africa. “We’re just happy about this moment,” Notch said.
Notch acknowledged that as an outsider, there is a difference in experience and exposure, noting that Nigerian players are competing in Europe’s top leagues compared to his own team.
“Yes, of course we are outsiders. On paper, we see Nigeria with several World Cup appearances and AFCON with talent playing in Europe’s top leagues abroad. “It’s going to be a tough battle,” Notch admitted.
Notch remains optimistic despite tempering his World Cup ambitions, drawing motivation from recent matches and the COSAFA Cup final against Zambia.
“Speaking of qualifying for the World Cup, I think that is too ambitious for us. However, I will say that in the COSAFA Cup we played until the final against Zambia. Before, the morale of our team is high. We played against Ivory Coast and expected to lose 1-0 by more than 5-0, but we were able to play tenaciously. Therefore, This match comes at the perfect time for us to say, “Let’s take another look at how far we’ve come as a small footballing nation.” ”added Notch.
The Super Eagles will be hoping to capitalize on their good form against Lesotho, with draws and wins in their matches so far.
