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Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen’s midfielder, has expressed confidence in his teammate Victor Boniface, assuring that the striker will come good for Nigeria despite recent struggles with the national team.
Boniface, one of the top-performing strikers in Europe this season with eight goals and one assist for Bayer Leverkusen, has faced criticism for failing to replicate his club form for the Super Eagles.
In 11 appearances for Nigeria, he has scored just one goal.
The 23-year-old featured in Nigeria’s recent AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda but struggled to make an impact, prompting calls from fans for him to be dropped from the squad.
Speaking to Oma Akatugba TV after Bayer Leverkusen’s 5-0 victory over RB Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League, Xhaka offered words of support for Boniface, despite the striker being sidelined with an injury.
“It’s always difficult with national team because with the national team you don’t have a lot of time to adapt” Xhaka explained.
“You don’t have time to work on tactical stuffs, you don’t have everyday with the same coach and players.
Everyone wants to play for his country. He is important to us, he will be important to Nigeria for sure in the future.”
Xhaka urged patience and faith in Boniface’s abilities, adding:
“Stay calm because he is a great guy and great footballer, he will give a lot to Nigeria to make people happy for sure.”
Boniface will be hoping to turn things around for the Super Eagles once he returns from injury and regains form.
