Victor Boniface’s impressive form for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga has yet to be mirrored in his performances for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, a challenge that has prompted former Nigerian international Ben Akwuegbu to call for patience from fans as the striker adjusts to the national team.
Boniface, a 23-year-old forward enjoying a breakout season in Germany, has scored six goals in nine league appearances for Leverkusen.
However, despite three caps with the Super Eagles, he has yet to record a goal or assist for Nigeria.
His time on the field so far — a total of 191 minutes, including two starts — has left him without a shot on target, raising questions among fans about his role and potential to compete with the established Victor Osimhen for a place in the starting lineup.
The young forward is expected to have another chance to make his mark with the national team during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda in November.
Many supporters, excited by Boniface’s prowess in the Bundesliga, are eager to see him replicate his club-level success with Nigeria.
But Akwuegbu, a former Super Eagles striker who won both the Austrian league and Super Cup with Grazer AK, believes that such expectations should be tempered by an understanding of the pressures associated with international play.
Speaking with SportsBoom.com, Akwuegbu said, “I think Boniface is a fantastic striker, and he has scored a lot of goals in the German league.
He emphasized that while Boniface’s scoring potential is clear, adjusting to the dynamics and competition of national-level football often takes time.
Akwuegbu drew parallels to the experience of late Super Eagles legend Rashidi Yekini, who also needed time to establish himself as a goal-scorer for Nigeria.
Yekini, the all-time top scorer for Nigeria with 37 goals in 58 appearances, took three years to find his first international goal after making his debut in 1982, finally netting in 1985 during a World Cup qualifier against Kenya.
Akwuegbu suggested that Boniface’s debut goal would likely serve as a confidence booster, helping the forward to settle into his role with the national squad.
Reflecting on his own journey, Akwuegbu recalled how his first goal for Nigeria helped him gain confidence and drive his success with the Super Eagles, including helping the team reach the AFCON final in 2000.
“When I scored my first goal for Nigeria, I was very happy and it boosted my confidence,” he shared. “I believe [Boniface] will do well for the Super Eagles.
It’s just a matter of time. Once he scores his first goal, he will keep scoring, you know? The first goal is always important.”
Akwuegbu further advised Boniface to stay focused and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on himself, assuring fans that the young striker’s skill and tenacity will soon produce results for the national team.
He’s doing well and should stay focused,” Akwuegbu added. “I am optimistic he will score so many goals for Nigeria.”
As the Super Eagles prepare for their AFCON qualifiers, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Boniface can finally break through on the international stage.
For now, Akwuegbu’s call for patience resonates with the understanding that the transition to international football is often challenging and that Boniface’s potential may soon shine through for the Super Eagles.
