2026 WCQ: 'Victory against Lesotho will be crucial for Super Eagles’ campaign' - Rufai

Former Nigerian international, Peter Rufai has urged the Super Eagles to commence their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on a winning note against the Crocodiles of Lesotho.

The game will hold at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on November 16.

Recall that South Africa, Benin Republic now managed by former Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr, Rwanda and Zimbabwe are the other countries in the group.

In a chat with Completesports.com, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner stated that picking the maximum points against Lesotho will boost the confidence of the team ahead of subsequent games.

“We have a team capable of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for as long as the players maintain a level of determination to do so.

“Again, beating Lesotho in the opening game of the qualifiers is something the Super Eagles must actualize because that will boost the confidence of the players ahead of other games in the group.

“I am very optimistic the Super Eagles will pick the maximum points but they must maintain total concentration throughout the campaign.”

The encounter against Zimbabwe billed for the Huye Stadium will take place three days later.

Nigeria will qualify automatically for the expanded World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada if they finish first from their group at the end of the group games.

Meanwhile, the four best runners-up from the groups will play in a CAF Play-Off tournament.

The winner of the CAF Play-Off Tournament will, however, play in the FIFA Play-off Tournament.