Victor Boniface: Can the Bayer Leverkusen star avoid becoming the Super Eagles’ ‘next Jonathan Akpoborie’?

For Bayer Leverkusen fans, Victor Boniface is nothing short of a revelation.

His name strikes fear into Bundesliga defenders, his goals fuel Leverkusen’s title ambitions, and his dazzling form cements his reputation as one of Europe’s hottest prospects.

Yet, in Nigeria’s iconic green jersey, he’s a shadow of himself — a striker caught between brilliance and bewilderment.

Monday’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda in Uyo, a historic embarrassment for the Super Eagles, underscored this stark contrast.

Handed another start by Augustine Eguavoen, Boniface once again faltered. No goals. No standout moments. Just another blank in an increasingly concerning series.

Eleven caps, zero goals, and a solitary assist. For a man who terrorises defences in

Germany, his Super Eagles stats are puzzling.
Eguavoen admitted as much post-match:

“Boniface, we all know what he is capable of, especially in his club. We’ve tried to give him confidence and playing time, but for whatever reason, he’s not hitting the back of the net.”

The Boniface Enigma

This isn’t a talent issue. Boniface’s exploits in Germany are breathtaking.

With eight goals in 15 matches this season, and 29 goals in just over a year for Leverkusen, he’s already helped deliver the club’s first-ever Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. He’s a Bundesliga Rookie of the Season and Team of the Season honouree.

He’s now the fifth highest-scoring Nigerian in Bundesliga history, poised to surpass Taiwo Awoniyi’s tally of 21 goals soon. At just 23, his ceiling appears limitless — except when he dons Nigeria’s colours.

Why the disconnect?

The question isn’t new.

Jonathan Akpoborie, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in the Bundesliga, faced a similar dichotomy.

Sixty Bundesliga goals but only four for Nigeria in nine years.

Like Boniface, Akpoborie was a star in Germany, yet struggled to find his rhythm in Africa’s unique footballing ecosystem.

Boniface and Akpboborie are not alone in this frustrating club-versus-country tale.

Paul Onuachu, Victor Agali, Stephen Makinwa, and others have similarly failed to replicate their club success for Nigeria. But Boniface’s case feels more pressing.

The disparity likely lies in the stark differences between European and African football.

In Germany, Boniface thrives on precision, space, and quick transitions.

In Africa, defenders are more physical, the pitches less forgiving, and the games slower but packed with intensity.

Boniface’s reliance on finesse over physicality leaves him exposed against robust African backlines.

Super Eagles legends like Nwankwo Kanu adapted their games to match these challenges.

Kanu learned to battle African defenders on their terms, combining intelligence with grit. Boniface must do the same — harnessing his physicality, improving his finishing, and learning to impose himself as a relentless striker.

Can Boniface Rewrite His Story?

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations looming, Boniface has just over a year to prove his worth.

He remains a key figure in Nigeria’s attack, especially with Victor Osimhen’s injuries raising concerns. The potential is there, but time is running out to shed the “new Jonathan Akpoborie” label.

Despite his current struggles, Boniface’s story is far from over.

At 23, he has ample time to adapt and grow.

With the Africa Cup of Nations a year away, he has a golden opportunity to refine his game and become the striker Nigeria desperately needs.

By addressing his shortcomings and taking inspiration from Super Eagles legends who overcame similar challenges, he can cement his place in Nigerian football history.

Otherwise, he risks becoming yet another talented player whose international promise remains unfulfilled.

Nigeria’s faith in him endures, but patience is wearing thin. The next 13 months could define his legacy — a story of redemption or regret.