Lesotho Now Major Threat to Super Eagles’ World Cup Dream – Friday Ekpo

Ugbede James Ankpa

Former Nigerian international midfielder, Friday Ekpo, has warned that Lesotho has emerged as a serious threat to Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s FIFA World Cup, following recent developments in Group C.

According to Sports247, FIFA’s decision to award Lesotho three additional points has lifted The Crocodiles to nine points, just two behind the Super Eagles.

Ekpo, who starred for Calabar Rovers and Mogas 50 FC of Gabon during his playing days, emphasized the urgency for Nigeria to approach their remaining fixtures with total focus and determination.

> “My concern now is not Benin Republic or South Africa — it’s Lesotho,” Ekpo cautioned. “They’ve been given three points, which now gives them nine. If they beat Nigeria at home, they’ll climb above us and fight for that second spot.”

The former midfielder analyzed the group dynamics and expressed concern that Nigeria’s qualification chances remain uncertain even with back-to-back wins.

> “South Africa will play at home against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, who are already out. Since they lost three points, they’ll be eager to recover them and will be very strong at home,” he explained. “Even if Nigeria wins both games, qualification is not guaranteed.”

Ekpo concluded that the odds currently favour South Africa, who will host the group’s bottom two sides, while Nigeria faces tougher opponents in Lesotho and Benin Republic — both still in contention for qualification.

> “If we get six points, we might finish with 17, but South Africa, even with 14 points after their deduction, are still confident,” he noted. “They just know they need to win their last two games to qualify.”