Boniface omitted as Super Eagles name squad for Rwanda, South Africa qualifiers

Bayer Leverkusen forward, Victor Boniface, has been left out of the Super Eagles’ squad for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, THE PRIME NEWS reports.

The 23-year-old was the biggest omission as head coach Eric Chelle released his final list on Friday.

The list was posted on the Super Eagles’ official X account on Friday.

Regulars such as Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey all made the cut for the must-win fixtures.

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

Nigeria will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on September 6, before travelling to face South Africa in Johannesburg on September 9.

With just seven points from six games, the three-time African champions sit fourth in Group B and must win all their remaining matches to stand a realistic chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili; Amas Obasogie; Adeleye Adebayo.

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong; Calvin Bassey; Olaoluwa Aina; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Bruno Onyemaechi; Chidozie Awaziem; Felix Agu; Benjamin Fredericks.

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi; Frank Onyeka; Wilfred Ndidi; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Raphael Onyedika; Christantus Uche.

Forwards: Ademola Lookman; Samuel Chukwueze; Victor Osimhen; Moses Simon; Cyriel Dessers; Tolu Arokodare.