The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for action during this international break window. In the last break, they engaged in friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique which ended 2-2 and 3-2 respectively. Now, their focus shifts to a more competitive fixture aiming to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

Having missed out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Super Eagles approach the qualifiers with a determined mindset. Head coach Jose Santos Peseiro has selected a squad of 23 players, featuring defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Taiwo Awoniyi.

The roster also includes goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, defenders Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, and attackers Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Terem Moffi. Striker Sadiq Umar, based in Spain, makes a return after a prolonged absence. Defender Jamilu Collins, returning from an injury layoff, and Bayer Leverkusen's Nathan Tella, receiving his first-ever call-up, add depth to the squad.

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches pit the Super Eagles against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. The clash with Lesotho will take place at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Thursday, November 16. Subsequently, they'll travel to Rwanda for a showdown with Zimbabwe at Huye Stadium in Butare on Monday, November 20.

This marks the initial leg of Nigeria's journey toward the 2026 World Cup, which will be played across 16 stadiums in 3 countries. The Super Eagles, unbeaten in their last five games with four victories and one draw, aim to build on their recent success. In friendlies, they triumphed 3-2 against Mozambique and drew 2-2 with Saudi Arabia.

As they face Lesotho in their World Cup qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles strive to replicate their outstanding recent performances. Previous encounters with Lesotho include a 2-0 win at AFCON in 2007, a 4-2 victory at AFCON in 2019, and a 3-0 triumph at the 2021 AFCON.

Lesotho, having won two and lost three of their last five games in all competitions, enters the match seeking redemption despite failing to score in their previous two outings. The highly anticipated clash between the Super Eagles and the Crocodiles of Lesotho is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 2023, with a 5 PM kick-off in Nigerian time.