Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has sued for patience over the long wait for his first competitive goal at the international level.
The 24-year-old forward, who has been in fine form for Bayer Leverkusen, found the net again in their 3-1 victory over Bochum on Friday night.
His goal, a close-range finish in the second half, marked his 11th of the season for Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga title-winning side.
Despite his club success, Boniface has struggled to replicate the same form for Nigeria.
He was part of the Super Eagles squad for the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe but played only nine minutes as Victor Osimhen reclaimed his spot as the first-choice striker.
His limited game time further fueled concerns over his international goal drought, with many Nigerian fans growing impatient.
Boniface has now made 11 appearances for the Super Eagles, scoring just once a non-competitive goal in a friendly match.
This has led to criticism from supporters who expect more from a striker thriving at club level.
However, after scoring against Bochum, Boniface took to Instagram to address the frustration of Nigerian fans, writing: “9ja plz be patient with me, the goal will come.”
The Leverkusen star’s plea highlights the pressure he faces from the Super Eagles faithful, who have not been kind to struggling players in the past.
However, football is often about momentum, and perceptions can change quickly. If Boniface finds the net in Nigeria’s upcoming matches, fans will likely rally behind him.
For now, Nigeria remains fourth in their World Cup qualifying group after surrendering a one-goal lead in their 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo.
With crucial games ahead, Boniface will be eager to prove himself and silence his critics.
Nigeria’s next international window in June presents an opportunity for the striker to regain confidence in the national team setup.
The Super Eagles are expected to play friendly matches in preparation for their must-win qualifiers in September.
These games could provide Boniface with valuable minutes and a chance to open his competitive goal account.
