W’Cup Qualifiers: Chelle names Super Eagles full squad

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has released his 23-man squad for next month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, with one key striker notably absent.

Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface, who recently failed a series of medical checks that halted a move to AC Milan, has been left out amid ongoing fitness worries. The 24-year-old had been expected to lead Nigeria’s attack alongside Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, but Chelle will now rely on Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, and Samuel Chukwueze in the forward line.

In brighter news, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been declared fit after being stretchered off in a recent South African league match. The 29-year-old Chippa United shot-stopper, Nigeria’s number one since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, now returns to anchor the Super Eagles’ defense.

Nigeria face Rwanda in Uyo on September 6 before traveling to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa three days later. Currently fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches, the Super Eagles will need strong performances to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

The squad also includes captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Ademola Lookman, and Osimhen, while defender Felix Agu and newcomers Benjamin Fredericks and Christantus Uche make the cut.