Eagles Poised to Claim Maximum Points over Crocodiles, Says Chelle

Posted : 10 October 2025

Africa’s standout players over the past two years, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, are set to lead Nigeria’s charge for vital three points when the Super Eagles face Lesotho’s Crocodiles in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

The encounter is the penultimate matchday of the qualifying series. Nigeria needs a win and favorable results elsewhere to maintain a strong position heading into the final matchday, when they host group leaders Benin Republic at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

With only three points separating Nigeria from first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, the Eagles must approach their remaining fixtures with maximum intensity, starting with Friday’s clash against Lesotho on neutral ground.

Coach Eric Chelle will be without wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, who was injured on a poor Toyota Stadium pitch in Bloemfontein during the match against South Africa. Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, and forward Cyriel Dessers are also sidelined due to injury.

However, Chelle welcomes back Victor Osimhen, who missed the South Africa clash after sustaining an injury against Rwanda in Uyo. The attacking trio that impressed at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations — Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Simon Moses — remains intact for this crucial fixture.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is expected to retain his place between the posts, with William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, and Benjamin Fredericks likely forming the defensive line. Midfield options include Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Christantus Uche.

Upfront, Osimhen, Lookman, and Moses lead the attack, while Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, and Jerome Akor Adams are available in excellent form to provide additional firepower.

Full List of Super Eagles:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Eagles Poised to Claim Maximum Points over Crocodiles, Says Chelle

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