The venue for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash with Lesotho on October 6 is still up in the air, as the Lesotho Football Association weighs its options in South Africa.

Initially expected to return to the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein—where concerns over the playing surface were raised during earlier qualifiers—Lesotho is now strongly considering the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Speaking to South African outlet Soccer Laduma, Lesotho FA Secretary General Mokhosi Phillip Mohapi confirmed that talks are ongoing, with Port Elizabeth emerging as the leading choice while Bloemfontein remains an alternative.

The decision carries major implications for both sides. Nigeria’s Super Eagles are pushing for maximum points to stay competitive in their tight qualifying group, while Lesotho hopes to leverage their “adopted home ground” advantage in South Africa.

Adding to the uncertainty is FIFA’s pending ruling on South Africa’s alleged use of an ineligible player in earlier qualifiers, a decision that could impact the group standings before this high-stakes encounter.