Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has announced his final 23-man squad for next month’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa, with in-form striker Victor Boniface omitted due to fitness concerns. The announcement, confirmed on Saturday, has already sparked mixed reactions among fans as the Super Eagles prepare for two must-win games.
Boniface, who has endured a frustrating run of injuries in recent years, remains the most high-profile absentee. The Bayer Leverkusen forward was expected to lead Nigeria’s attack but was ruled out following medical concerns that surfaced earlier this month. His anticipated move to AC Milan collapsed after he reportedly failed a series of rigorous fitness tests, raising renewed doubts over his long-term durability. With a history of cruciate ligament injuries and recurring muscle problems, Chelle is said to have opted for more reliable options as Nigeria enters a decisive phase of qualification.
The 24-year-old returned to Leverkusen training midweek, fueling initial optimism that he would be fit to feature alongside Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in the Super Eagles’ frontline. However, his exclusion has left Chelle to rely on Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare and Samuel Chukwueze to provide depth in attack. Analysts believe this decision could have a significant impact on Nigeria’s goal-scoring options, especially in tight encounters where Boniface’s physical presence and finishing ability have often proven decisive.
In a major boost, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been cleared to play after an injury scare earlier in the week. The Chippa United star was stretchered off in a South African league clash against Richards Bay, sparking fears he might miss the crucial qualifiers. Subsequent medical tests, however, confirmed no lasting damage, allowing the 29-year-old to resume training. His inclusion provides much-needed relief for Chelle, who would otherwise have had to depend on relatively untested goalkeepers Adeleye Adebayo and Amas Obasogie.
Nwabali has been Nigeria’s undisputed number one since his impressive outings at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where his commanding saves and leadership between the posts earned widespread praise. His availability for the September fixtures is seen as a vital factor in stabilizing a Super Eagles defense that has struggled for consistency in recent qualifiers.
Nigeria’s campaign resumes with a home tie against Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 6, before a potentially decisive showdown against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein three days later. With just seven points from six matches, the Super Eagles currently sit fourth in Group C, trailing South Africa by six points. Anything less than maximum points from both games could all but end Nigeria’s chances of advancing before the final round of qualifiers in October.
The squad retains a core of experienced campaigners, with captain William Troost-Ekong leading a defensive unit that also welcomes back Felix Agu. Midfield stalwarts Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika all made the cut, while forward stars Osimhen and Lookman are expected to spearhead the attack. Chelle has also rewarded emerging talents Benjamin Fredericks and Christantus Uche, who caught the eye during the Unity Cup tournament earlier this year.
With Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Chelle’s selections reflect a delicate balance between experience, fitness, and form. While the absence of Boniface leaves a glaring gap in the forward line, the return of Nwabali is expected to strengthen the team’s resolve as they face two of their toughest challenges yet on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
