Victor Boniface, the Bayer Leverkusen striker, finds himself under scrutiny as he prepares for Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Despite earning 11 caps for the Super Eagles since his debut in September 2023, Boniface is yet to open his international goal-scoring account. This stark contrast with his club form, where he has notched up impressive numbers, including 10 goals in the current season, has sparked debate and concern among fans and former players alike. Etim Esin, a former Super Eagles midfielder, offers a balanced perspective on Boniface’s predicament. While acknowledging the striker’s goal drought, Esin believes a breakthrough is imminent, emphasizing the importance of confidence and the potential for a single goal to unlock a floodgate of future success.
Esin’s assessment draws parallels with other players who have experienced similar struggles, highlighting the unique pressures and dynamics of international football. While Boniface’s club performances demonstrate his capabilities, the national team environment presents a different set of challenges, including varying tactical approaches, team chemistry, and the weight of national expectations. Esin’s confidence in Boniface stems from his belief in the player’s inherent talent and the observation that he has been creating scoring opportunities. This suggests that the missing piece is not ability but rather a combination of luck, composure, and perhaps a touch of self-belief. Esin’s message is one of patience and encouragement, urging fans and critics to give Boniface the time and support he needs to find his rhythm on the international stage.
The pressure on Boniface to deliver is amplified by Nigeria’s ambitions in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Success in these matches is crucial for the Super Eagles to progress in their quest to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. This context adds urgency to Boniface’s situation, transforming his personal goal drought into a matter of national importance. While individual brilliance can be a deciding factor in football matches, Esin wisely emphasizes the paramount importance of team results. Drawing on Nigeria’s football history, he cites the example of Rashidi Yekini, a prolific striker who played a pivotal role in leading the Super Eagles to the 1994 World Cup. Yekini’s legacy serves as a reminder that individual success is ultimately measured by its contribution to the team’s overall achievements.
Esin’s message resonates with the advice offered by another former Super Eagles star, Sylvanus Okpala. Okpala, speaking last year, urged Boniface to focus on developing all aspects of his game, including providing assists if goals remain elusive. This counsel reflects a pragmatic approach to football, recognizing that a striker’s value extends beyond simply finding the back of the net. Okpala’s emphasis on calmness and building confidence echoes Esin’s sentiments, suggesting a consensus among experienced figures within Nigerian football. They acknowledge the pressures faced by strikers, particularly at the international level, and advocate for a supportive environment that fosters growth and development.
Okpala’s insightful comparison between club and international football sheds further light on Boniface’s situation. Playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga provides a different context than representing the Super Eagles. At Leverkusen, Boniface operates within a well-defined system, surrounded by familiar teammates and playing under the consistent guidance of a single coach. The national team, on the other hand, introduces greater variability. Tactical approaches might shift depending on the opponent and squad availability, requiring players to adapt quickly. The pressure to perform on a global stage, carrying the hopes of an entire nation, can also be a significant psychological burden. Okpala, in his advice, essentially warns against direct comparisons between club and national team performances, highlighting the unique demands of international football.
Boniface’s situation provides a microcosm of the complexities facing international strikers. The ability to score goals consistently at the club level does not automatically translate to success on the international stage. Factors such as tactical adjustments, team cohesion, the pressure of national expectations, and even simple luck play significant roles. While the pressure on Boniface to end his goal drought is undeniable, the wise counsel from former players like Esin and Okpala underscores the importance of patience, confidence-building, and a broader perspective on a striker’s contributions. Ultimately, Boniface’s success, and more importantly, Nigeria’s success in the World Cup qualifiers, will depend on a combination of individual brilliance and collective effort.
