“The jersey is heavy” – Odion Ighalo explains how Victor Boniface can come good for the Super Eagles

Nigeria and Al Wehda veteran forward, Jude Odion Ighalo, has urged Bayer 04 Leverkusen forward, Victor Okoh Boniface, to be patient to get his good performances for the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 24-year-old hit the limelight last season when he joined Die Werkself from Union Saint-Gilloise, picking up the Rookie of the Month award four consecutive times.

Boniface's brilliance in his debut campaign in Germany saw him get his first invitation to the Nigerian National team. He's been a regular invitee since then, largely playing second-fiddle to Victor Osimhen, but his performances when given a chance have not been impressive, as he's scored just one goal in twelve outings.

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Ighalo, who scored 16 goals in the green and white colours of Nigeria, urged Boniface to stay focused in a bid to become a better player when called into action for the Super Eagles.

“You just have to be patient and keep working hard, and don't get distracted by what the outsiders are saying. The Super Eagles jersey is very heavy, but at the same time, very tough, because it's different playing for your club side and the national team.

“People don't see it that way. It's a different environment there, a different atmosphere, but when you come to the Super Eagles, it's a different terrain. Totally,” the former Watford striker said on the Abu Azeez Podcast.

“So, I'll tell him to keep working hard and believe in himself. I know he's a guy who doesn't care, but with the Super Eagles, people will always talk. See the way Osimhen scores; if he misses a goal, people still talk. This is how it is because Nigerians are passionate about football. They'll always talk.

“The goals will come.  When and how? I don't know, but he has to be patient. Don't be in a hurry, do what you do for your club, and your time will come. I believe he's a talented player,” the former Manchester United forward concluded.

Boniface is yet to replicate the form that saw him win the German domestic double last campaign with Bayer Leverkusen this season. Still, his output under Xabi Alonso remains impressive. In 60 games, he's scored 32 goals and provided 10 assists.