By Nurudeen Obalola
Super Eagles interim head coach Austin Eguavoen has admitted that he is baffled by Victor Boniface’s struggles with the national team.
While the striker has scored regularly for Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga, he has not been able to get going in the Nigeria team.
The 23-year-old has registered 29 goals and 11 assists in 49 Leverkusen appearances since the beginning of last season, but he is yet to score in nine competitive appearances for the Super Eagles.
Boniface was given a rare start on Monday as Rwanda defeated Nigeria 2-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo and, once again, he played poorly.
When asked about the striker’s poor form for the Super Eagles during his post-match press conference, Eguavoen said: “Boniface is capable of great things, especially in his club. When he comes here he’s not finding the back of the net. We try to give him a lot of confidence and playing time.
“I’m somebody who wants to give players confidence. I’ve spoken to him personally several timrs. I’ve done enough, but for whatever reason, he’s still not clicking with the team.”
Despite his inability to translate his club form to the national team, however, Eguavoen insists that he has no immediate plans to drop Boniface.
“He’s still part of the squad. He will remain part of the squad,” Eguavoen said.
