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Eguavoen and Boniface (PC: Makingofchampions.com)
Super Eagles interim head coach, Austin Eguavoen, has offered insights into Victor Boniface’s current form, emphasising the striker’s potential while acknowledging his challenges in front of goal for the national team.
Speaking after Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 victory over Libya in their AFCON 2025 qualifier, Eguavoen said, “You know, Boniface is a clinical striker, clinical finisher, but he is struggling in national colours. You see, sometimes these chances don’t come.”
Eguavoen noted that decision-making in key moments has been a factor for the young forward.
“I remember in Rwanda, today also, when you get half a chance, likes like Romario, they poke the ball, but he wants to dress and dress and dress, and then the defenders recover.”
He expressed his belief in the striker’s ability to deliver more consistently.
He said, “So if he decides on time, I think Boniface will score a lot of goals. I will speak to him about that.”
The Super Eagles secured a crucial 1-0 win over Libya on Friday evening in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, thanks to a late strike from substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
The game, which was tightly contested, saw Nigeria struggle to break down a resolute Libyan defense for much of the match. However, Dele-Bashiru, brought on in the second half, made an instant impact, netting the game’s only goal in the 86th minute to give Nigeria a hard-fought victory.
In the absence of Victor Osimhen due to injury, Nigeria relied on Boniface, alongside Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, in their attack.
Lookman and Boniface had both featured prominently in Nigeria’s recent matches against the Benin Republic and Rwanda, while Simon earned a starting spot in the lineup against Libya, replacing Samuel Chukwueze.
Throughout the game, Nigeria dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances. The Libyan defense held firm until the late breakthrough from Dele-Bashiru.
Eguavoen’s side had opportunities to score earlier, most notably when Samuel Chukwueze missed a one-on-one chance in the 70th minute. Lookman also thought he scored in the 83rd minute, but his effort was disallowed for offside.
Despite these frustrations, the Super Eagles’ persistence paid off with Dele-Bashiru’s decisive strike, which sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
The win has boosted Nigeria’s hopes of qualification for AFCON 2025, keeping them atop Group D with seven points.
