Tremendous Eagles head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has expressed his continued assist for striker, Victor Boniface, regardless of the ahead’s ongoing struggles to copy his membership kind with the nationwide group.
Talking throughout a media interplay after Rwanda conflict on Monday, Eguavoen admitted that Boniface’s underperformance has been some extent of frustration however maintained that the participant stays an integral a part of his plans.
On Monday, the Tremendous Eagles concluded their Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers with a stunning 2-1 loss to Rwanda.
The match, held on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, showcased the underdog’s resilience because the Rwandan facet got here from behind to safe victory. Nonetheless, Nigeria had already certified for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, ending high of the group with 11 factors.
When requested about Boniface’s difficulties in adapting to the Tremendous Eagles setup, Eguavoen acknowledged the challenges.
“Sure, good query. Boniface is able to nice issues, particularly in his membership. When he comes right here, we attempt to give him lots of confidence and taking part in time,” he mentioned.
Nonetheless, the coach famous that regardless of his efforts, the striker has but to search out the again of the web persistently.
Eguavoen revealed that he has personally spoken to Boniface a number of occasions to bolster his confidence, a top quality he believes is essential for a participant’s efficiency.
“I’m someone who needs to provide gamers confidence. I’ve performed sufficient, however for no matter cause, he’s nonetheless not clicking with the group,” he mentioned.
Boniface’s struggles haven’t gone unnoticed by followers, with comparisons being drawn with Victor Osimhen, who has established a powerful reference to supporters.
When requested whether or not the striker can be referred to as up once more for the following worldwide break, Eguavoen answered with a agency dedication to Boniface’s future with the group.
“He’s nonetheless a part of the squad. He’ll stay a part of the squad,” Eguavoen acknowledged.
22-year-old Boniface, who has been a standout performer on the membership degree, has but to search out the again of the web for Nigeria since his debut in September 2023, after 11 appearances.