Super Eagles interim coach, Austin Eguavoen, has voiced concerns over Victor Boniface’s underwhelming performance following Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 win over Libya.
Despite his stellar reputation in European football, Boniface has struggled to make an impact on the international stage, particularly in the absence of star forward Victor Osimhen.
Boniface, 22, has been in remarkable form for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 14 goals in 18 starts and playing a crucial role in the club’s unbeaten Bundesliga-winning campaign last season.
His absence from Nigeria’s squad during the Africa Cup of Nations due to injury was seen as a significant blow. Many expected him to fill Osimhen’s shoes when given the opportunity, but recent performances have raised doubts about his ability to deliver at this level.
In the Super Eagles’ latest match against Libya, Boniface failed to register a shot on target, a glaring statistic considering Nigeria’s dominance in possession.
He also struggled in other areas of his game, failing to complete a dribble or win any of his six ground duels, contributing to his underwhelming showing.
After the match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Eguavoen did not hold back in his assessment. The coach criticized Boniface’s decision-making, particularly his tendency to hesitate in key moments.
“Sometimes these chances don’t come, but he wants to dress the ball,” Eguavoen explained to reporters. “If he decides to shoot sometimes, he’s going to score a lot of goals. I will talk to him about it.”
While Boniface’s talent is undeniable, Eguavoen’s comments suggest that the young striker must sharpen his instincts in front of goal and make quicker decisions if he hopes to fully establish himself as a key player for the national team.
His reluctance to take immediate action when in promising positions is seen as a barrier to realizing his full potential.
With the pressure mounting, all eyes will be on Boniface to see how he responds to his coach’s feedback and whether he can reclaim the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers.
The Super Eagles will certainly be hoping that he can step up in the games ahead, especially with tougher opposition on the horizon.
