Head coach Eric Chelle and captain William Troost-Ekong have called for full concentration and intensity as the Super Eagles prepare to face Lesotho in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, on Friday.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in their qualification group with 11 points, three behind leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa ahead of matchday nine.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Chelle emphasised the importance of focus and discipline, noting that unpredictable factors can often shape football results.
“Everybody can’t go to the World Cup. This is football, anything can happen during the game because of the weather, the referee, injuries, anything,” the coach said. “So we need to stay focused on what we want from this game, on what we need to have this victory, and after there will be another game.”
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Chelle added that the team’s immediate priority is the fixture against Lesotho: “For sure, we’re 100% focused on the game against Lesotho, a great team with a good coach,” he said. “We need to be ready to start the game well, with a lot of intensity and aggressiveness, to score and to win the game.”
Captain William Troost-Ekong echoed his manager’s words, stressing that the team’s approach would remain the same as in their last outing against South Africa.
“We’re approaching this game the same way we approached the game against South Africa. It’s important for us to go for all three points,” the defender said. “We have to show Lesotho respect, they’ve done well in the group and picked up points against us. So it’s going to be an important game for both of us, and we’re focused and looking forward to it.”
The Super Eagles will return home to host Benin Republic in Uyo on October 14 after Friday’s match. With two games left and the margins razor-thin, Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hang in the balance and only maximum points in both fixtures will be enough to keep their dream alive.
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