VICTOR Boniface’s story is one of two. He is a goal-scoring machine in the German Bundesliga, where he plays for Bayer Leverkusen. But he has struggled to hit the mark with the Super Eagles, raising concerns among fans and analysts.
His fine form with Leverkusen – six goals and one assist in 10 matches so far this season in the league – is a stark contrast with his Super Eagles tally: no goal in 11 matches.
Last season, Boniface netted 21 goals and bagged 10 assists in 34 matches for Xabi Alonso’s charges who won an impressive domestic double.
The Nigerian led the line when the Super Eagles lost shockingly to Rwanda in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Uyo but failed to score. That stretched his goal drought with the national team. Boniface’s closest shot at registering a goal for Nigeria came in October 2023 when the three-time African champions settled for a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia. His effort was marked as an own goal.
Blessed with attacking talents in the mold of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Simon Moses, and Samuel Chukwueze among others, the Super Eagles parade one of the most fearsome frontlines on the continent.
But they have stuttered in Osimhen’s absence with Boniface unable to fill the goal-scoring void when called upon.
Expectedly, his lack of goals for the national has attracted intense criticism from Nigerian fans who believe the Leverkusen star has not done enough for the Super Eagles. Some have called for the team to give other players a chance. For others, the 2013 AFCON winners’ style of play does not suit Boniface.
“Victor Boniface is an amazing player. The national team and club side are two completely different things entirely. At the club side, Boniface has players who are conversant with his style of play,” a former Super Eagles’ star Ogenyi Onazi told Brila FM recently.
“They see themselves every day, even more than they see their girlfriends or family members. So they blend every day. If he doesn’t score in the clubside then one needs to ask questions.”
Despite the criticism, the team’s interim coach Austine Eguavoen has defended the 23-year-old and insisted Boniface “remains a part of the squad”.
“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,” Eguavoen said after the loss to Rwanda on Monday.
“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”.
With the World Cup qualifiers set for next year and Nigeria needing to mount a strong comeback if they are to make the competition, Boniface has a chance to replicate his club form for the Super Eagles and silence the critics.
