Super Eagles head coach Finidi George has offered reasons why Bayer Leverkusen bomber Victor Boniface did not feature for Nigeria against South Africa on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria forced South Africa to a disappointing 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo to leave the Super Eagles' World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
Finidi made some bold calls in his starting lineup, opting to start a front three of Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu, and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Still, South Africa took a first-half lead through Themba Zwane before Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalised for the Super Eagles early in the second half.
With Nigeria desperate in need of a winning goal, Finidi introduced attackers Samuel Chukwueze and Terem Moffi but left Boniface on the bench throughout.
There were fears that the Bayer Leverkusen forward had cupped an injury in training that ruled him out of the game.
But Finidi cleared the air, saying he had plans to send Boniface late on but an injury to West Brom defender Semi Ajayi halted the switch.
When asked at the post-match conference about Boniface, Finidi responded as per OganlaMedia:
“Allow us to do our jobs.
“We wanted to introduce Boniface and Moffi, but Semi had a knock and we had to take him off and introduce Moffi and Onyedika.
“The fans and media would shout for different players, if they don't perform well, the shout will be, take him off. Allow us to do our jobs.”
Boniface, Nigeria's most valuable player after Victor Osimhen, won the Bundesliga and German Cup double with Bayer Leverkusen this season.
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