Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro was, on Sunday, at the Stade Joseph Marien for the Jupiler Pro League match between Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and RFC Seraing.
The Portuguese tactician is believed to be running the rule over Nigerian youngster Victor Boniface ahead of a potential call-up to the national team.
The 22-year-old forward has been a key player for Union SG this season, and his recent goal-scoring exploits have caught the attention of Peseiro, who was present at the stadium to watch him in action.
But with a crucial Europa League tie coming up next for the Belgians, Boniface featured only for the last three minutes as the home side claimed a 2-1 win over RFC Seraing.
No one, though, can question Boniface’s quality following his sensational form this season. The former Bodoe/Glimt star has scored an impressive 20 goals in all competitions.
Boniface’s stunning strike in Union’s 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen in the quarterfinals of the Europa League last Thursday was another reminder of his immense talent and potential.
Despite his impressive form, Boniface was snubbed for the Super Eagles’ doubleheader against Guinea-Bissau in the Afcon qualifiers in March – a move that raised plenty of dust among fans.
But Peseiro’s visit to watch Boniface has raised hopes that the Portuguese tactician is considering the versatile attacker for a potential call-up.
However, if he does get the call, Boniface will have to compete with the likes of Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, Southampton’s Paul Onuachu, OGC Nice’s Terem Moffi, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen for a spot in the squad.
The decision to drop one of these established players to make room for Boniface will not be an easy one for Peseiro, but the young forward’s exciting form and potential make him a strong candidate for the national team.
It remains to be seen whether Peseiro will extend an invitation to Boniface. Still, the youngster’s recent performances suggest that he could be ready to make the step up to international football.
The Super Eagles’ next official match is in June when the three-time African champions make the trip to the Siaka Stevens National Stadium in Freetown to face Sierra Leone on matchday five of the Africa Cup of Nations Qualification.
Nigeria are currently top Group A with nine points and will qualify for Ivory Coast 2023 with a win over the Leone Stars.
This post was last modified on April 17, 2023 2:06 pm