Former Super Eagles and Kortrijk midfielder, Dimeji Lawal, has pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with Victor Boniface in the Super Eagles jersey, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 23-year-old has been a gem in Germany for Bayer 04 Leverkusen since joining from Union Saint-Gilloise last season, winning all domestic titles under Xabi Alonso, but the form hasn't translated to the national team.
In eleven appearances for the Super Eagles, Boniface has scored just once, and his display, has been largely below par.
Lawal, in opting to support Boniface, likened the Leverkusen striker to Nwankwo Kanu, who also struggled to impress during AFCON tournaments.
“I don’t think anyone should blame Boniface for his inability to translate his goal scoring form for Bayer Leverkusen to the Super Eagles. We have seen it often times that players score goals for their respective clubs in Europe, but when it comes to African football, they are not productive.
I am not saying Boniface is not good enough. If he had been dropped out of that team and we lost that game without him, people would ask Eguavoen questions. That’s why it is difficult for coaches to make decisions.
Remember that Kanu Nwankwo played in all the Nations Cup before he retired, but he never scored a single goal. Will anyone tell me any coach inviting Kanu is stupid? However, I believe Boniface will rediscover his goal-scoring form for the Super Eagles soon.
Watching Boniface score in one of the best leagues in the world is something we all appreciate. And it will be wrong not to invite him to the senior national team. I am sure such a coach will be inviting trouble for himself from Nigerians,” the 53-year-old said in an interview with Complete Sports.
Victor Boniface is currently out of action till the end of the year after picking up a thigh injury.
