Nigerian midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi has offered his thoughts on the challenge Victor Boniface faces when playing for the national team.
Boniface, a highly regarded striker at club level, has proven his worth with strong performances for Bayer Leverkusen.
However, his form for the Nigerian national team has not mirrored his club’s success.
Since making his debut under Jose Peseiro in 2023, Boniface has made nine appearances, contributing one goal and one assist.
Despite his promising start, his recent struggles—such as the lack of goals in Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier against Libya have raised questions about his performance in the green and white jersey.
Speaking in an interview with Brila.net, 2013 AFCON winner Ogenyi Onazi explained why Boniface might be finding it difficult to replicate his club form on the international stage.
Ogenyi Onazi [Image: ESPN]
“Victor Boniface is an amazing player but national team and club side are two different teams entirely. At the club side, he has players who are conversant with his style of play.
“They see each other more than even family members. So they blend every day. If he is not scoring at the club side we need to ask questions.”
Onazi emphasized that the limited time national teams spend together is a major factor in Boniface’s struggles.
“In the national team, you come and after three days, you play a match, how do you expect them to understand themselves.”
Victor Boniface celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Jonas Hofmann. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
He also noted that certain players find it easier to adapt to national team duties.
“There are some players that when they come to national team, it’s done for them, they can do it anytime any day but that doesn’t apply to everyone.
“In Leverkusen, Boniface plays with teammates who know exactly where he’ll run and how to deliver the ball to him.
“But in the Super Eagles, many of our players like to dribble inside, cut in, and want to shoot, so these are the characteristics and things we need to know.”
Onazi concluded by calling for more support from Nigeria’s midfielders, “Our midfield players need to do more to help him.”
