Super Eagles May Not Play Lesotho in Bloemfontein
The Super Eagles may not return to the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein for their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho on 6 October.
Although the match will take place in South Africa, which serves as Lesotho’s adopted home ground, concerns have been raised about the poor condition of the pitch at the Free State Stadium during earlier qualifiers involving Lesotho, South Africa, and Nigeria.
According to South African outlet Soccer Laduma, the Lesotho Football Association is in talks over a possible change of venue. Secretary General Mokhosi Phillip Mohapi revealed that Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth is the leading option, though Free State Stadium is still under consideration.
“The negotiations are just at the beginning. People bid to host games, and then it’s what they can offer. We will compare the two deals, then choose the better one,” Mohapi said.
The decision is key for both sides, with Nigeria needing maximum points away from home in a very tight group. Lesotho’s build-up to the match also comes at a time when FIFA is yet to announce its ruling on South Africa’s use of an ineligible player.
