BONIFACE DROPPED FROM SUPER EAGLES’ SQUAD FOR RWANDA, SOUTH AFRICA QUALIFIERS AMID TRANSFER SAGA

Read Time:1 Minute, 8 Second

By: Sefiu Ajape

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has been excluded from the Super Eagles squad for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

The 23-year-old was the most notable omission from the final list released on Friday by head coach Eric Chelle and published on the team’s official X account.

Key players such as Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey were all included for the crucial fixtures.

Chelle also handed opportunities to Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks, and Christantus Uche, three players who impressed during the Unity Cup earlier this year.

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

With only seven points from six games, the three-time African champions sit fourth in Group B and must win all their remaining matches to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.

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.