Victor Boniface’s search for his first goal with the Super Eagles remains in the spotlight ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming matches against Libya. Despite his prolific form for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany—where he has scored six goals in nine games this season—Boniface has yet to find the back of the net for the national team.
Since making his debut for the Super Eagles last September, Boniface has played eight games, contributing just one assist, which came in his debut, a 6-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
With Victor Osimhen sidelined by injury for the doubleheader against Libya, Boniface will be expected to lead the Eagles’ attack and potentially end his goal-scoring drought.
Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba believes the upcoming matches against Libya offer Boniface a great opportunity to net his first goal for Nigeria. Speaking on Monday Night Football on Supersport TV, Ikpeba highlighted Boniface’s goal-scoring prowess at the club level and expressed confidence in his ability to transfer that form to the national team.
More Read
“The matches against Libya have given Boniface an opportunity to score goals for the Super Eagles,” Ikpeba said. “He cannot stop scoring goals in Germany and will now have the self-belief and confidence to score against Libya. He will need time to adapt to the national team. I remember that I was doing well at Monaco, but it took me some time before I settled in the Super Eagles.”
Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen echoed Ikpeba’s sentiments, expressing faith in Boniface’s abilities despite his struggles to score for the national side. Eguavoen has given Boniface starting roles in his first two games in charge—a 3-0 win against Benin Republic and a 0-0 draw with Rwanda—and remains confident that goals will come.
“Victor Boniface has always been a part of this team and will continue to be a part of this team,” Eguavoen told reporters in Uyo. “Yes, he is not finding the back of the net, but I can assure you that if he starts tomorrow, he will score.”
Meanwhile, Boniface remains calm under the spotlight, pointing out the depth of Nigeria’s attacking options. With Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho also available, Boniface emphasized that the focus is on teamwork and winning, not just personal milestones.
“We have Awoniyi, we have Kelechi, and myself,” Boniface told ESPN. “So anyone who is called upon will try to win the game, that’s the most important thing. Why would the weight be on me? Like I said, we have other players, and we don’t know who will start, for now. But the three of us are ready to give one hundred percent for us to win.”
© Bold Media Innovations & Creative Hub Limited. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
