FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Lesotho Arrive in Uyo Ahead of Showdown With Nigeria

• Lesotho have arrived in Nigeria ahead of their World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles
• Head coach, Leslie Notsi led 23 players into Uyo on Wednesday for the first training session
• The Crocodiles coach admitted that it would be a herculean task to get points from Nigeria

A total of 23 players and nine officials from the Crocodiles of Lesotho have arrived in Nigeria ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles.

Both teams begin their quest to qualify for the next edition of the tournament with a clash at the Godswill Akpabio Intentional Stadium in Uyo.

The Crocodiles will aim for an upset against Nigeria, but they will have to do that against a star-studded squad.

Lesotho had their first training session inside the main bowl of the stadium on Wednesday evening as the head coach put the boys through paces.

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Thabiso Brown, Motebang Sera, and Katleho Makateng are expected to lead the attack for the side.

Head coach, Leslie Notsi stated that although his side go into the fixture as the underdogs, they will approach the match with a winning mindset.

He told journalists:

"Qualifying for the World Cup now is too big a dream. Our expectation is to have a tough match and we are taking this opportunity as a young football nation to get the exposure and experience. We have young and talented players who are eager to learn and grow so we are here to honour the fixture with a competitive mindset."

Due to injuries, per the NFF official website, Nigeria will be without top striker Victor Osimhen and winger Samuel Chukwueze, as well as team captain Ahmed Musa.

Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro is expected to name an attacking side led by Victor Boniface, who has been in blistering form for Bayer Leverkusen this season.

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South Africa, Benin, and Rwanda are the others in the group, with the table toppers qualifying for the showpiece.

Iwobi has guaranteed the team will be ready for the visit of Southern African opponents, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.