Austin Eguavoen, the interim head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, recently commented on Victor Boniface’s performance in light of the team’s recent match against Libya in their AFCON 2025 qualifier. Following a narrow 1-0 victory, Eguavoen acknowledged Boniface’s potential as a “clinical striker” but also highlighted the challenges the young forward has faced while representing Nigeria. He pointed out that Boniface has struggled to score goals in international matches, emphasizing that opportunities can be scarce and that some moments require quick decision-making.
Eguavoen specifically criticized Boniface’s tendency to overcomplicate his shot opportunities. He recalled past experiences where converting half-chances should have been simpler. Drawing a comparison to legendary striker Romario, who was known for taking instinctive shots, Eguavoen noted that Boniface often hesitates, allowing defenders time to intervene. Eguavoen remains optimistic about Boniface’s future contributions, stating that with improved decision-making, he believes the striker has the potential to score frequently for the national team. Eguavoen intends to have a direct conversation with Boniface to address these issues and help him find his scoring touch in future matches.
The match against Libya was critical for the Super Eagles, who secured their victory late in the game, thanks to the efforts of substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The match took place in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, and was highly competitive. Despite having a wealth of possession, Nigeria struggled to penetrate the Libyan defense until Dele-Bashiru made a significant impact from the bench, scoring the only goal in the 86th minute. His late strike not only marked a pivotal moment in the match but also highlighted the depth of Nigeria’s squad, capable of changing the game’s dynamics even in difficult circumstances.
The absence of star striker Victor Osimhen due to injury placed an increased burden on Boniface to lead the attack alongside other key players, such as Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon. In recent matches against both Benin Republic and Rwanda, Boniface had been expected to be a crucial contributor. In this particular game, Lookman and Boniface were both involved heavily in offensive plays, while Simon was introduced into the starting lineup to replace Samuel Chukwueze. Despite Nigeria’s dominance in ball possession, the team struggled to convert their chances into goals, illustrating their need for sharper finishing in the attacking third.
Throughout the contest, the Super Eagles had several opportunities to score before Dele-Bashiru’s late winner. One of the most notable chances came when Samuel Chukwueze faced a one-on-one opportunity in the 70th minute but failed to capitalize. Additionally, Lookman believed he had scored earlier in the 83rd minute, only to have his goal ruled out for offside. These moments of missed chances underlined the team’s frustrations as they attempted to break down a resilient Libyan side. However, the eventual breakthrough came through Dele-Bashiru, whose goal not only clinched the victory but also reignited the fans’ spirits in the stadium.
With this victory, the Super Eagles improved their chances of qualifying for the AFCON 2025 tournament, currently sitting atop Group D with seven points. The resilience displayed in the match against Libya is crucial for maintaining momentum as the team navigates through qualifiers. Eguavoen’s focus on improving individual player performances, particularly in Boniface’s case, will be essential as the Super Eagles prepare for their upcoming fixtures. Adaptability and confidence will be pivotal as Nigeria seeks to transform their possession and opportunities into more consistent scoring and ultimately aim for continental success.
Overall, Eguavoen’s insights into Boniface’s performance reflect a broader understanding of the challenges faced by players in high-stakes international football. His optimism for Boniface’s future contributions indicates a commitment to individual and team development as Nigeria aims to solidify its place in next year’s AFCON tournament. By addressing decision-making and sharpening their attacking efficiency, the Super Eagles could strengthen their competitive edge and enhance their prospects of advancing far in the continental championships.
