Boniface Snubbed As Chelle Names Super Eagles Squad For South Africa, Rwanda Games

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his 23-man squad for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa next month.

The Franco-Malian manager invited most of the team’s regular stars, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Ola Aina, and Alex Iwobi.

Other familiar names making the cut are Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who was substituted early in his last game for Chippa United due to an injury scare, has also been cleared and included.

One of the biggest talking points is the omission of Victor Boniface, who has had a tough week after a proposed loan switch from Bayer Leverkusen to AC Milan collapsed over medical concerns.

On the positive side, Chelle rewarded new faces Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks, and Christantus Uche with call-ups after their impressive performances at the 2025 Unity Cup in London.

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

The Super Eagles are currently fourth in Group B with seven points from six games and must win their remaining fixtures to keep alive their slim hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Final 23-man Super Eagles Squad for Rwanda & South Africa

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (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); Ola 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 FC, 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).