Former AS Monaco and Borussia Dortmund striker Victor Ikpeba has shared his thoughts on why Nigerians should show patience towards 23-year-old Super Eagles star Victor Boniface.
Boniface, a rising star in European football with Bayer Leverkusen, has yet to fully establish himself on the international stage, Footballrover reports.
Ikpeba, however, believes it is only a matter of time before the talented striker becomes a key figure for Nigeria.
“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,” Ikpeba told sportsboom.com.
Boniface came close to scoring during Nigeria’s recent match against Rwanda, and Ikpeba is confident that the goals will follow as the young forward becomes more comfortable.
“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,” he noted.
“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,” Victor Ikpeba added.
Boniface’s stellar club form and national team potential
Boniface’s success at Bayer Leverkusen has raised expectations, with the forward involved in 31 goals last season.
His impressive tally of 21 goals and 10 assists helped the German side end a 31-year trophy drought.
He has continued that form into the new season, already registering three goals and one assist in his first five Bundesliga matches.
When asked if Boniface can challenge Osimhen for the Super Eagles’ main striking role, Ikpeba was optimistic.
“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,” he said.
Victor Ikpeba’s message is clear: fans need to be patient. Boniface’s time to shine for the Super Eagles is coming, and it will be worth the wait.
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