Former Super Eagles midfielder Sylvanus Okpala has weighed in on Victor Boniface’s recent struggles in front of goal for the Nigerian national football team.
Speaking to Brila FM the former Enugu Rangers midfielder urged the Bayer Leverkusen striker to adjust his mindset and remain composed in front of goal.
Boniface has only managed one goal in eleven appearances for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up, a statistic that has left Nigerian fans increasingly frustrated, especially after his lacklustre performances in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda.
Okpala, in a conversation with Brila FM, emphasised the need for Boniface to focus on his role as a centre-forward while also addressing his confidence issues.
“Osimhen comes in and scores. When Osimhen isn’t there, Boniface doesn’t score. He needs to be talked to, given a lot of confidence, and reminded that as a centre-forward, his primary role is to score. If he can’t score, then he should start providing assists,” the 63-year-old stated.
The former Union Saint-Gilloise forward has lighted up the Bundesliga with his performances for Xavi Alonso’s troops. However, Okpala noted the difference between excelling at club level and delivering for the national team.
“He shouldn’t be too anxious to score in every game. Yes, scoring is crucial, but he needs to stay calm. When you count one, you can get to two. Once he starts scoring, the confidence will return. It’s normal. Bayer Leverkusen is different from the national team,” Okpala added.
With Victor Osimhen unavailable for recent games, the burden of leading the Super Eagles’ attack has fallen on Boniface. Okpala believes that with proper guidance and support, the 22-year-old can rediscover his scoring touch and silence his critics.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
