Super Eagles head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has thrown his weight behind Bayer Leverkusen forward, Victor Boniface, despite struggling to replicate his club form with the national team.
The Super Eagles wrapped up their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualification campaign with a stunning 2-1 defeat to Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Monday.
Samuel Chukwueze gave Nigeria the lead in the 59th minute, delighting the home crowd.
Rwanda, however, responded, with Aimable Mutinzi equalising in the 72nd minute.
Imanishimwe Nshuti completed the fightback, sealing a historic win for Rwanda in the 75th minute.
Despite the defeat, The Super Eagles had already booked their place to the tournament in Morocco next year after finishing top of the group with 11 points.
Reacting after the loss to the Amavubi, Eguavoen conceded that Boniface’s uninspiring performance has been a cause for concern but insisted that he remains a key member of his team.
When asked about Boniface’s difficulties in adapting to the Super Eagles setup, Eguavoen acknowledged the challenges.
“Yes, good question. Boniface is capable of great things, especially in his club. When he comes here, we try to give him a lot of confidence and playing time,” he said.
However, the coach noted that despite his efforts, the striker has yet to find the back of the net consistently.
“Boniface is capable of great things, especially in his club. When he comes here, we try to give him a lot of confidence and playing time,” he said.
Eguavoen revealed that he has held talks with Boniface on several occasions to strengthen his confidence, a quality he believes is crucial for a player’s performance.
“I’m somebody who wants to give players confidence. I’ve done enough, but for whatever reason, he’s still not clicking with the team,” he said.
Boniface’s struggles have not gone unnoticed by fans, with comparisons being drawn with Victor Osimhen, who has established a strong connection with supporters.
When asked whether the 22-year-old would be called up again for the next international break, Eguavoen answered with a firm commitment to Boniface’s future with the team.
“He’s still part of the squad. He will remain part of the squad,” Eguavoen stated.
Boniface, who has been a standout performer at the club level for German Bundesliga champions, Bayer Leverkusen, has yet to find the back of the net for the three-time African champions since his debut in September 2023, after 11 appearances.
