Lesotho wave off fear, promise World Cup qualifying shocker against Nigeria
By Uzor Odigbo
Lesotho’s National Team, Likuena players have waved off fear, but are taking Inspiration from an earlier 1-1 draw against Nigeria ahead of today’s FIFA World Cup qualifying tie between both nations.
Motlomelo Mkwanazi stunned the home crowd with a.57th minute strike in the first leg of the qualifying before Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi equalised for Nigeria on 67 minutes.
While Notsi is still in charge of Lesotho from the November 2023 match, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have undergone managerial changes with Jose Paseiro making way for Finidi George and current gaffer Eric Chelle.
Fielding questions from journalists in South Africa, Notsi admitted today’s match would be difficult but their intention was to build on the first leg result.
“Fortunately, we don’t have any serious injuries that we can worry about coming into this fixture. So,It’s a clean bill of health for us,” he said.
Despite the self belief, Notsi was quick to point out the quality in the Nigerian team.
“A fixture that we are expecting a tough match playing one of the best in the continent. A team that consists of some of the best players on our continent playing in the best leagues in Europe.”
Echoing Notsi’s optimism going into the Nigeria clash is Likuena captain Sekhoane Moerane.
“Going into today’s game, we are not going to show fear because one thing we have to do, is not to fear our opponents but we should give them respect. We will be going with a lot of respect but not showing fear and that means, we are going to go and give them our best of what we have,” he affirmed.
“We are not doing anyone a favour but playing for our country, playing for Basotho,” he added.
Today’s round of qualifying clash between both countries comes up at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane at 5pm Nigeria time.
