By Dayo Awoniyi
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has acknowledged his struggles to find the net for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, admitting that while his club form has been outstanding, goals have proved elusive on the international stage.
The 24-year-old forward, who has been in scintillating form in the Bundesliga with a mix of goals and assists, continued his impressive run on Friday night, providing an assist in Leverkusen’s 2–1 victory over Wolfsburg.
Despite his growing reputation in Germany, Boniface conceded that translating that same level of performance to the national team has been more challenging than expected.
“I’ve been unlucky with the Super Eagles,” Boniface told reporters. “I always give my best, but sometimes the goals just don’t come.”
The former Union Saint-Gilloise striker remains optimistic, however, and has vowed to bring his club-level sharpness and confidence to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“I’m focused and determined,” he added. “I know once the first goal comes, many more will follow.”
Boniface’s dynamic displays in the Bundesliga have made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards, and Nigerian fans are hopeful he can carry that same energy into continental competition.
With AFCON fast approaching, all eyes will be on whether the prolific Leverkusen star can finally translate his club form into goals in the famous green and white.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
