Former Nigerian midfielder Dimeji Lawal has come to the defence of Victor Boniface—who has struggled in recent times for the Super Eagles—and rubbished suggestions that the Bayer Leverkusen man be dropped from the squad.
The 23-year-old striker has been one of the best strikers in the world since the start of the 2022/23 season and was influential in Bayer Leverkusen’s charge towards a historical Bundesliga title.
However, he has been unable to replicate that pristine form he shows for Die Werkself for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
In 11 appearances for Nigeria, Boniface has only scored once, a friendly against Saudi Arabia over a year ago.
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What Dimeji said
Boniface was particularly disappointing during the last two international breaks, attracting criticism from fans and even head coach Austin Eguavoen.
Dimeji, who played three times for Nigeria, however, calls for patience, reminding fans that legendary striker Kanu was not necessarily prolific in major tournaments; in fact, he did not score a single goal in six AFCON outings (27 matches).
“I don’t think anyone should blame Boniface for his inability to translate his goal-scoring form for Bayer Leverkusen to the Super Eagles,” he said in an interview with Complete Sports.
“We have seen it often times that players score goals for their respective clubs in Europe, but when it comes to African football, they are not productive.
“I am not saying Boniface is not good enough. If he had been dropped out of that team and we lost that game without him, people would ask Eguavoen questions. That’s why it is difficult for coaches to make decisions.
“Remember that Kanu Nwankwo played in all the Nations Cup before he retired, but he never scored a single goal. Will anyone tell me any coach inviting Kanu is stupid?
“However, I believe Boniface will rediscover his goal-scoring form for the Super Eagles soon. Watching Boniface score in one of the best leagues in the world is something we all appreciate.
“And it will be wrong not to invite him to the senior national team. I am sure such a coach will be inviting trouble for himself from Nigerians.”
