Nigerian football fans have criticised Victor Boniface’s underwhelming display in the Super Eagles’ shock 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Monday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Despite Nigeria’s qualification for the AFCON 2025 already secured supporters expressed their frustration with the Bayern Leverkusen striker’s performance as the Eagles surrendered a one-goal lead against the East African nation.
Samuel Chukwueze had put Nigeria ahead in the 59th minute before quick-fire goals from Aimable Mutinzi and Imanishimwe Nshuti in the 72nd and 75th minutes respectively secured a memorable victory for Rwanda.
Taking to X fans questioned Boniface’s contributions to the national team despite his impressive club form.
“Boniface is a very funny guy and all, but e don reach time when we go begin tell am the truth…some players are just club champions at best and nothing more,” @SpiceyMall57010 wrote.
Ogbuevi shared similar sentiments about the striker’s performances for Nigeria.
“It is time we have a conversation about Victor Boniface. Not had any good performance while playing for the Super Eagles. Not even one. I am not even judging by goals or assists, just normal good performance,” he posted.
Ayo Jose took a jibe at the forward’s social media presence, writing, “Boniface’s mouth is faster and stronger than his leg.”
Daniel Karpella referenced the striker’s omission from CAF’s recent awards shortlist writing, “There’s a reason CAF didn’t nominate Victor Boniface for Africa’s Best Player award despite winning Bundesliga, German cup & reaching the Europa final. He’s always been poor and unserious in the Nigerian jersey.”
Daniele Suleiman noted the contrast between Boniface’s social media activity and on-field performance.
“If it’s to crack jokes on Twitter, we will see Boniface. But on the pitch for Nigeria, no contribution whatsoever,” he wrote.
@MilaVIbezCFC called for the striker and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s exclusion from the team, posting, “Boniface and Maduka Okoye should never play for the super Eagles again.”
Chinaza highlighted the disparity between Boniface’s club and national team performances adding, “The Victor Boniface that’s playing for Nigeria is different from the Boniface that’s playing for Bayern Leverkusen.”
Olisa Osega echoed similar thoughts writing, “I watch a lot of Bayer Leverkusen games and I know how Victor Boniface plays. So what exactly happens to him whenever he wears that Nigerian shirt? He suddenly becomes a shadow of himself.”
