Boniface left out as Chelle names Super Eagles Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has been left out of Nigeria’s final squad for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.

The 23-year-old forward has endured a difficult summer after a proposed move to AC Milan fell through due to medical concerns.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, however, retained key regulars, including Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey for the must-win fixtures scheduled for early September.

Chelle also handed call-ups to Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks, and Christantus Uche, who impressed during the Unity Cup earlier this year.

Nigeria will host Rwanda’s Amavubi Stars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on September 6, before traveling to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on September 9.

With just seven points from six games, the Super Eagles currently sit fourth in Group B and need maximum points from their remaining matches to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland), Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)