Official: Starting XI for Nigeria vs Lesotho – Peseiro names Boniface as Osimhen’s replacement, Iheanacho skippers Super Eagles

Nigeria will kick off their qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a clash against Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, in a few minutes.

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has named the eleven players that will go head-to-head with the Crocodiles for the three points at stake.



True to his word, the Portuguese tactician has retained Omonia Nicosia shot-stopper Francis Uzoho in goal despite his errors during the friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique last month.



Fenerbahce’s Bright Osayi-Samuel is preferred at right-back, while Jamilu Collins slots in on the opposite flank for his first international appearance in over a year.

The two will look to complement the central defensive duo of Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey and provide enough cover for goalkeeper Uzoho.


In the absence of Wilfred Ndidi, Brentford’s Frank Onyeka steps into the defensive midfield role, with Alex Iwobi offering creative support in the middle of the park.

Things get interesting upfront, where Peseiro has handed the number nine role to Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface.

The youngster, who has won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award three times already this season, is partnered by Taiwo Awoniyi.

Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman will provide the creative juice from the left flank.

At the same time, Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho will lead the Super Eagles out as captain, as he starts on the right wing where AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze has enjoyed a monopoly for the past few years.

The match between Nigeria and Lesotho will start at 5 pm.

NB: Click here to follow live commentary coverage of the game.

Below is Nigeria, Lesotho’s starting lineup eleven: