2026 World Cup qualifier: Peter Rufai tasks Super Eagles to maintain concentration against Lesotho

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria legendary goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has tasked the national team to maintain concentration in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier opening game against Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Having missed out at the last World Cup in Qatar, the Super Eagles will be embarking on another trip of challenges ahead of the 2026 mundial.

Rufai believes the Eagles have what it takes to be at the next World Cup depending on the players level of determination, stressing that a win against the Crocodiles would boost team’s confidence.

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

“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.”

Nigeria are drawn in group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa, Benin Republic, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

Nigeria would open their qualification campaign against the Likuena (Crocodiles) before engaging Zimbabwe on November 19 at the Huye stadium.