Nigeria's hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup remain alive as they prepare to face Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday. After missing out on the last edition in Qatar, the Super Eagles know that nothing short of victory will be enough if they are to keep their qualification dream alive, Softfootball reports.
Eric Chelle's side appeared all but out of contention after a 1-1 draw against South Africa last month left them six points adrift of Hugo Broos's men. However, the gods of football smiled on the three-time African champions when FIFA overturned South Africa's 2-0 win over Lesotho from March due to Teboho Mokoena's ineligibility. The result was changed to a 3-0 defeat for Bafana Bafana, giving Nigerians hope once again as the qualifiers enter the decisive stage.
Despite this luck, Nigeria's qualification fate is still not entirely in their hands. They must win both remaining games against Lesotho and Benin Republic and will be hoping that South Africa drop points in their upcoming fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with two wins from eight games, both coming against Rwanda, level on points with Rwanda and two behind leaders Benin and South Africa on goal difference.