Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro warns: Lesotho, Zimbabwe won't be easy to beat

In a recent statement, Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro sounded the alarm, cautioning that Nigeria’s upcoming matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe won’t be a walk in the park some might expect. 

The warning comes as the Nigerian national men’s team gears up for crucial matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

The Super Eagles will get the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway when they host Lesotho on Nov 15, 2023.

Three days later, Peseiro and his Eagles will be visitors to Zimbabwe in Rwanda after the Warriors failed to get approval for a local Stadium in Harrare.

Ahead of the double-header against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, Peseiro’s Eagles prepared with two friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. 

Nigeria was held to a 2-2 draw by the Green Falcons before a 3-2 win against Mozambique ended a run of 15 games without a win in international friendly matches. 

Known for his pragmatic style, the Portuguese manager has reiterated that he remains committed to leading Nigeria to the AFCON title next year and taking Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup.

However, while the 63-year-old believes the games next month are a must-win, he warns that Lesotho and Zimbabwe won’t be easy teams to see off. 

“When I signed my contract, my ambition was to take Nigeria to the World Cup and make them African champions,” he said per Newsday via BBC. 

“You must beat Lesotho and Zimbabwe, but you cannot think it’s easy. Before it’s possible you could see the big difference between the teams but that is no longer true. The teams are closing those gaps,” the former FC Porto boss added.

The matches next month are significant stepping stones on the path to the next FIFA World Cup slated for the United States of America, and Peseiro wants his players to approach them with the utmost seriousness.

After the Super Eagles missed out on the 2022 party hosted by Qatar, Nigerians will be eager to see their beloved team take the qualifiers seriously. 

Peseiro’s words will serve as a reminder that no match on the path to the FIFA World Cup is guaranteed victory, and that each game will demand the highest level of dedication and effort.