Nigeria’s preparation for the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup qualifiers has taken a twist after coach Eric Chelle released his official 23-man squad, excluding striker Victor Boniface while welcoming back goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Boniface’s Struggles Continue
Bayer Leverkusen’s Boniface, 24, had been tipped to play a key role in the qualifiers. But lingering concerns over his physical fitness cost him a place in the squad. Earlier this month, a dream transfer to Italian giants AC Milan collapsed after he failed several medicals.
The forward’s career has been plagued by cruciate ligament tears and repeated muscular setbacks, forcing Chelle to look elsewhere for attacking firepower. With Boniface missing, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, and Samuel Chukwueze will provide attacking support to Osimhen and Lookman.
Goalkeeper Crisis Averted
Relief came as Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper, was declared fit. The Chippa United man raised alarm when he was stretchered off during a South African Premier League clash with Richards Bay.
Medical tests, however, confirmed he can return to action. Without him, Chelle would have had to rely on untested options like Adebayo Adeleye and Amas Obasogie.
Since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Nwabali has cemented his reputation as the country’s safest hands, bringing stability to the backline.
Must-Win Matches
The Super Eagles face a do-or-die schedule, playing Rwanda in Uyo on September 6 before a daunting trip to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein three days later.
Currently fourth in Group C with only seven points from six games, Nigeria risk elimination if they fail to secure maximum points. South Africa lead the group, six points clear.
Chelle’s final list also includes captain William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, and Felix Agu. Newer faces like Benjamin Fredericks and Christantus Uche also feature.
Frontpagenews.ng reports that expectations from fans remain sky-high, with many describing the next two matches as Nigeria’s toughest tests since the qualifiers began.
