Idah Peterside Blames Lesotho and Zimbabwe Draws for Nigeria’s World Cup Setback

|By Babatunji Wusu

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Idah Peterside has pinpointed Nigeria’s disappointing draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe as the decisive moments that denied the team an automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria, who finished second in Group C behind South Africa, missed out on a direct ticket to the tournament and will now have to fight for a spot through the playoffs, where they face Gabon in November.

Speaking on Soccer Beat, Peterside expressed frustration over the team’s early performance in the qualifiers, insisting that the Super Eagles’ late surge came too late to salvage their campaign.

“Benin were topping the group and we beat them soundly,” Peterside said. “Imagine if Nigeria had shown that form earlier in the qualifiers. Two games cost Nigeria automatic qualification—Zimbabwe and Lesotho. You can’t draw with Lesotho and Zimbabwe in Uyo, Nigeria.”

Peterside’s remarks have reignited conversations about the team’s inconsistency and the urgent need for tactical discipline as Nigeria eyes redemption in the upcoming playoff clash.