Exclusive: Victor Ikpeba Confident Boniface Will Replicate Club Success with Nigerian National Team

"He’s one of Nigeria’s brightest talents in Europe, and he's in good hands under Xabi Alonso at his club.”

However, Boniface has struggled to replicate this success on the international stage. In eight appearances for the Nigerian national team, he has yet to score and has only one assist, leading to growing criticism from fans.

During the September international break, Boniface started both of Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda but failed to find the back of the net in either match.

"Sometimes, players need time to adapt to the national team," Ikpeba explained. 

"International football is different from club football, both in style and rhythm. At the club level, you spend months training and playing with the same teammates, which helps your performance."

"Victor is still relatively new to the national team and is adjusting to playing with unfamiliar teammates. I believe the goals will come. He came very close to scoring against Rwanda, so he just needs to focus on his game, especially with the competition for his position."

The former AS Monaco's striker also called for patience from the national team’s supporters.

"Nigerian fans need to be patient; the goals will come. Even Victor Osimhen took time to settle and start scoring consistently for the national team."

Asked whether he agreed that Boniface can dislodge Nigeria’s first-choice striker Victor Osimhen in the Super Eagles, Ikpeba says, "I believe Boniface will get his chance to shine.”

"Odion Ighalo was the main striker before, and Osimhen didn’t get much game time initially, but now he’s the key player. Boniface’s opportunity will come, and when it does, he’ll deliver." Ikpeba concluded.