Afrigather For Bayer Leverkusen followers, Victor Boniface is nothing in need of a revelation.
His identify strikes concern into Bundesliga defenders, his targets gasoline Leverkusen’s title ambitions, and his dazzling kind cements his fame as considered one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
But, in Nigeria’s iconic inexperienced jersey, he’s a shadow of himself — a striker caught between brilliance and bewilderment.
Monday’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda in Uyo, a historic embarrassment for the Tremendous Eagles, underscored this stark distinction.
Handed one other begin by Augustine Eguavoen, Boniface as soon as once more faltered. No targets. No standout moments. Simply one other clean in an more and more regarding collection.
Eleven caps, zero targets, and a solitary help. For a person who terrorises defences in
Germany, his Tremendous Eagles stats are puzzling.
Eguavoen admitted as a lot post-match:
“Boniface, everyone knows what he’s able to, particularly in his membership. We’ve tried to provide him confidence and taking part in time, however for no matter cause, he’s not hitting the again of the web.”
The Boniface Enigma
This isn’t a expertise concern. Boniface’s exploits in Germany are breathtaking.
With eight targets in 15 matches this season, and 29 targets in simply over a 12 months for Leverkusen, he’s already helped ship the membership’s first-ever Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. He’s a Bundesliga Rookie of the Season and Group of the Season honouree.
He’s now the fifth highest-scoring Nigerian in Bundesliga historical past, poised to surpass Taiwo Awoniyi’s tally of 21 targets quickly. At simply 23, his ceiling seems limitless — besides when he dons Nigeria’s colors.
Why the disconnect?
The query isn’t new.
Jonathan Akpoborie, Nigeria’s all-time main scorer within the Bundesliga, confronted the same dichotomy.
Sixty Bundesliga targets however solely 4 for Nigeria in 9 years.
Like Boniface, Akpoborie was a star in Germany, but struggled to search out his rhythm in Africa’s distinctive footballing ecosystem.
Boniface and Akpboborie will not be alone on this irritating club-versus-country story.
Paul Onuachu, Victor Agali, Stephen Makinwa, and others have equally failed to copy their membership success for Nigeria. However Boniface’s case feels extra urgent.
The disparity seemingly lies within the stark variations between European and African soccer.
In Germany, Boniface thrives on precision, house, and fast transitions.
In Africa, defenders are extra bodily, the pitches much less forgiving, and the video games slower however filled with depth.
Boniface’s reliance on finesse over physicality leaves him uncovered towards sturdy African backlines.
Tremendous Eagles legends like Nwankwo Kanu tailored their video games to match these challenges.
Kanu realized to battle African defenders on their phrases, combining intelligence with grit. Boniface should do the identical — harnessing his physicality, bettering his ending, and studying to impose himself as a relentless striker.
Can Boniface Rewrite His Story?
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations looming, Boniface has simply over a 12 months to show his value.
He stays a key determine in Nigeria’s assault, particularly with Victor Osimhen’s accidents elevating issues. The potential is there, however time is working out to shed the “new Jonathan Akpoborie” label.
Regardless of his present struggles, Boniface’s story is much from over.
At 23, he has ample time to adapt and develop.
With the Africa Cup of Nations a 12 months away, he has a golden alternative to refine his sport and turn out to be the striker Nigeria desperately wants.
By addressing his shortcomings and taking inspiration from Tremendous Eagles legends who overcame comparable challenges, he can cement his place in Nigerian soccer historical past.
In any other case, he dangers changing into one more gifted participant whose worldwide promise stays unfulfilled.
Nigeria’s religion in him endures, however persistence is sporting skinny. The following 13 months might outline his legacy — a narrative of redemption or remorse.
