National Teams
Dimeji Lawal aims dig at Kanu, defends Victor Boniface’s Super Eagles goal drought
By Monsurah Olatunji
In defense of Victor Boniface, ex-international Dimeji Lawal has taken a subtle dig at Nigerian football legend Kanu Nwankwo while addressing the striker’s goal drought for the Super Eagles.
Boniface has faced significant criticism for his inability to replicate his impressive club form with Bayer Leverkusen at the international level.
Despite being one of the top strikers in Europe, the 23-year-old has scored just once in his 11 appearances for Nigeria, with his only goal coming in a friendly against Saudi Arabia more than a year ago.
However, Lawal, who made three appearances for Nigeria, believes patience is needed. He pointed out that even the legendary Kanu, considered one of the greatest Nigerian players of all time, was not particularly prolific in major tournaments.
Kanu, a member of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” and a winner of numerous prestigious titles, including the UEFA Champions League and an Olympic gold medal, failed to score a single goal in six Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearances, despite playing 27 matches in total.
Lawal emphasized that football players often perform differently at the club and international levels, and not every player can easily translate club success to national team duties.
“I don’t think anyone should blame Boniface for his inability to translate his goal-scoring form for Bayer Leverkusen to the Super Eagles,” Lawal said in an interview with Complete Sports.
“We have seen it often that players score goals for their respective clubs in Europe, but when it comes to African football, they are not productive.”
Lawal argued that if Boniface had been dropped and Nigeria had lost, the coach would have been heavily criticized, adding that coaches often face tough decisions.
He drew a parallel to Kanu, stating, “Remember that Kanu Nwankwo played in all the Nations Cups before he retired, but he never scored a single goal. Will anyone tell me that any coach inviting Kanu is stupid?”
Despite the criticism, Lawal is confident Boniface will regain his goal-scoring form for the Super Eagles. “Watching Boniface score in one of the best leagues in the world is something we all appreciate,” he said.
“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.”
Lawal’s comments reflect his belief that, like Kanu, Boniface deserves patience and support, as his quality is undeniable, and his international breakthrough may come with more opportunities and time.
