Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a 23-man list for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, with striker Victor Boniface missing out due to fitness concerns.

The Bayer Leverkusen forward, whose failed medical checks recently scuttled a proposed move to AC Milan, had been expected to lead Nigeria’s frontline alongside Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. In his absence, Chelle has turned to Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, and Samuel Chukwueze to spearhead the attack.

There was positive news in goal as first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was declared fit after being stretchered off in a recent South African league match. The 29-year-old Chippa United star, who established himself at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, is set to reclaim his spot between the posts.

Nigeria, sitting fourth in Group C with seven points from six games, face Rwanda in Uyo on September 6 before traveling to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa three days later. Strong results in both matches will be vital to reviving their qualification hopes.

The squad also features captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Lookman, and Osimhen, while defender Felix Agu and newcomers Benjamin Fredericks and Christantus Uche earned call-ups.