2026 WCQ: Stadium Debate: Lesotho Yet to Decide Venue For Hosting Super Eagles Game

2026 WCQ: Stadium Debate: Lesotho Yet to Decide Venue For Hosting Super Eagles Game 

By Admin 

The venue for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Lesotho remains undecided, with the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth emerging as a potential host, BSNSports.comng reports.

The Matchday 9 fixture, scheduled for October 6, is set to take place in South Africa—Lesotho’s adopted home ground for the qualifiers. However, uncertainty surrounds whether the game will be held at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, which previously hosted Lesotho’s clash with South Africa as well as Nigeria’s 1–1 draw against Bafana Bafana.

Concerns have reportedly been raised about the pitch conditions at the Free State Stadium, prompting Lesotho’s football authorities to explore alternative venues.

According to South African football outlet Soccer Laduma, the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) is in the early stages of discussions regarding the possible relocation of the high-stakes fixture to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

LeFA Secretary General, Mokhosi Phillip Mohapi, confirmed the development, stating that a final decision has yet to be made. “The negotiations are just at the beginning. People bid to host games, and then it’s what they can offer,” Mohapi told Soccer Laduma. “We will compare the two deals, then the one which is better…”

The Super Eagles, currently under pressure to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, will be keen to know the venue well in advance as they prepare for a must-win clash.

A decision on the final host stadium is expected in the coming weeks, as logistical planning and team preparations intensify ahead of the crucial encounter.