Victor Boniface omitted from squad amid ongoing fitness concerns as Stanley Nwabali declared fit to boost Nigeria’s goalkeeping options.

Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has released his 23-man squad for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa, with Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface missing out due to fitness concerns.

CBI News reports that Boniface, 24, recently saw a proposed move to AC Milan collapse after failing medical tests, raising further questions over his long-term durability following multiple cruciate ligament injuries and recurring muscle problems.

Despite returning to training with Leverkusen this week, he was omitted from the squad.

His absence means Chelle will rely on Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, and Victor Osimhen to lead Nigeria’s attack, alongside Ademola Lookman.

In a boost for the Super Eagles, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been declared fit.

The 29-year-old was stretchered off in a league game for Chippa United earlier in the week, sparking fears he could miss the September fixtures.

However, medical tests cleared him to play, easing Chelle’s concerns in goal.

Nwabali has been Nigeria’s undisputed number one since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he produced standout performances.

Nigeria, currently fourth in Group C with seven points from six games, face Rwanda’s Amavubi in Uyo on September 6 before travelling to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa on September 9.

CBI News reports that the Super Eagles trail the South Africans by six points, and failure to secure maximum points could put their World Cup hopes in jeopardy.

The squad is captained by William Troost-Ekong, with established names such as Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Lookman and Osimhen included. Defender Felix Agu also makes a return, while Unity Cup revelations Benjamin Fredericks and Christantus Uche earn call-ups.