Super Eagles head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has expressed his continued support for striker, Victor Boniface, despite the forward’s ongoing struggles to replicate his club form with the national team.
Speaking during a media interaction after Rwanda clash on Monday, Eguavoen admitted that Boniface’s underperformance has been a point of frustration but maintained that the player remains an integral part of his plans.
On Monday, the Super Eagles concluded their Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers with a shocking 2-1 loss to Rwanda.
The match, held on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, showcased the underdog’s resilience as the Rwandan side came from behind to secure victory. However, Nigeria had already qualified for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, finishing top of the group with 11 points.
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.
Eguavoen revealed that he has personally spoken to Boniface multiple times to bolster 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 striker 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.
22-year-old Boniface, who has been a standout performer at the club level, has yet to find the back of the net for Nigeria since his debut in September 2023, after 11 appearances.