Victor Boniface tasks teammates to take Super Eagles duty more seriously
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has called on his Nigeria teammates to take national team responsibilities with greater pride and seriousness.
He expresses concern over what he sees as a lack of commitment from some players.
Speaking on The Culture League podcast, the Bayer Leverkusen forward voiced his frustration with the perceived indifference among certain squad members.
“If some of my teammates are going to the national team, they feel like, ‘we go, we play, whether we win or lose, it doesn’t matter,’” Boniface said.
“I am always trying to say to them, we are millions in Nigeria. I think in Africa, we have the highest population.”
The 23-year-old admitted that playing for Nigeria still feels surreal, describing it as a privilege that should not be taken lightly.
“Me, representing the country, sometimes for me, I never believe I will be in this stage representing millions of Nigerians.”
Despite enjoying success at club level, Boniface acknowledged the struggle to replicate that form with the Super Eagles.
He attributed part of the challenge to the emotional pressure of national expectations.
“Most people don’t understand how it feels to put on the Nigerian jersey. I feel proud and want to give everything,” he said. “But sometimes, when you’re trying hard to give it all, it doesn’t seem to work, and you’re not happy or in your free space.”
As he gears up for the 2025/26 season under Erik ten Hag, Boniface hopes to find consistency and game time, both for club and country, as Nigeria prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
