Super Eagles Interim head coach, Augustine Owen Eguavoen, has reacted to the poor performances of Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, in the Nigerian jersey, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 23-year-old forward has been an attacking gift for Die Werkself since joining in the summer of 2023, winning the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and the DFL Super Cup in his first eighteen months in Germany.
Despite his success for Leverkusen, Boniface has struggled to impress for the Nigerian national team. In Nigeria's dead-rubber AFCON qualifier against Rwanda, Boniface started up-front but had an awful game, mustering just a shot on target in ninety minutes as the Super Eagles lost yesterday.
This sparked reactions amongst fans, with many calling for his exclusion from the national team till he sort himself out, but Eguavoen has clarified the situation with the former Union Saint-Gilloise forward.
“Boniface, we all know what he's capable of doing, especially for his club and when he comes back here, we try to give him a lot of confidence and playing time but he's not hitting the back of the net for whatever reason.
I've spoken to him personally many times. I'm someone who wants to give players confidence.
I've done enough, but he's still part of the squad and will remain a part of the squad,” Eguavoen told the press after Nigeria's game against Rwanda yesterday evening.
Nigeria will play against Rwanda during the next International break as they look to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
it’s really disappointing watching african players, play together in a team. individually in their respective clubs they are diamonds. it either reflects their respect, effort or catalytic displays from their other team mates expertise. As a professional, silly mistakes shouldn’t be made. A game plan is an overall team strategy which lacks in the super Eagles. Boniface although didn’t get fed with balls from the midfield, but his character to drop deep was poor.,Oshimen often does that supporting the midfield to reinforced the attack. its just so saddened. I want to drop a quick question. Name the least European team….I bet you nigerua can’t beat them because they are a strategic team while nigeria is a emblem of squad