Nigeria are expected to field a strong attacking lineup led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman as the Super Eagles take on Lesotho in an important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday.

With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, head coach Eric Chelle is set to go all out in search of victory, naming a star-studded side anchored by the returning Osimhen, who is fresh from a fine run of form with Galatasaray.

Osimhen, who has netted three times in the qualifiers so far, will spearhead Nigeria’s frontline alongside Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman and Paris FC forward Moses Simon.

The trio will be supported by Alex Iwobi, who is expected to play a creative midfield role behind them.

The Fulham playmaker’s ability to link midfield and attack could prove decisive as Nigeria look to break down a stubborn Lesotho side that held them to a 1–1 draw in the reverse fixture in Uyo last year.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka are expected to anchor the central areas, offering defensive stability and transition play. Their task will be to control possession and protect the backline against Lesotho’s counter-attacks.

Defensively, captain William Troost-Ekong will marshal the back four alongside Calvin Bassey, while Bright Osayi-Samuel’s absence opens the door for Sodiq Fredrick to make his first competitive start.

Bruno Onyemaechi is likely to retain his place at left-back, with Stanley Nwabali set to start in goal after impressing in recent outings.

Nwabali; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Simon, Osimhen.

Despite their underdog status, Lesotho have shown impressive resilience in the qualifiers, with four different players, Motlomelo Mkwanazi, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Rethabile Rasethuntsa, and Jane Thabantso, contributing goals.

Goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane, who plies his trade in South Africa, is expected to be kept busy by Nigeria’s potent attack, while forward Sera Motebang will look to end his scoring drought against the Super Eagles.

For Nigeria, anything short of victory could spell disaster in their qualification campaign. With just two matches left to play, the Super Eagles must win in Polokwane and again at home to the Benin Republic to keep their World Cup hopes alive.