Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface was the most notable omission as Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle announced Nigeria’s final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
The 23-year-old forward has endured a difficult summer after his proposed transfer to AC Milan collapsed due to medical concerns. Despite his absence, several key players made the cut, including Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey.
Chelle also rewarded emerging talents, handing call-ups to Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks, and Christantus Uche, all of whom impressed during the Unity Cup earlier this year.
Nigeria will host Rwanda’s Amavubis at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on September 6, before traveling to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on September 9, 2025.
The Super Eagles’ road to the 2026 World Cup has been anything but smooth. With just seven points from six matches, Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group B and must secure victories in all remaining fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Final 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)
What you should know
Victor Boniface, one of Nigeria’s brightest attacking prospects, has been left out of the crucial qualifiers amid concerns over his fitness.
With Nigeria struggling in Group B, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen and the other experienced stars to deliver victories against Rwanda and South Africa to keep their World Cup dream alive.
