Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has opened up on his struggles with the Super Eagles, describing himself as “unlucky” in front of goal for the national team, while also reflecting on his turbulent club season and a failed move to AC Milan.
The 24-year-old, currently on loan at Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen, has been capped 13 times for Nigeria, scoring just once since making his debut under José Peseiro in October 2023.
Boniface, who helped Leverkusen win their first-ever Bundesliga 2 seasons ago, now faces uncertainty both at club and international level after losing form and falling down the pecking order under Eric Chelle.
Boniface made his debut in a 6–0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe on 9 October 2023 in the AFCON qualifiers and scored his only international goal in a friendly against Saudi Arabia that same year.
He says he remains proud to represent Nigeria but admits frustration over his lack of goals.
“I would just say I’m just unlucky with the national team in terms of goal scoring were I know they’re some couple of games which I did really good but the scoring goal part is the most important thing presently in the world of football, people don’t even watch the games they go on Livescore and your Ronaldinho, you know people don’t watch the game.”
Victor Boniface in action for the Super Eagles. Photo Credit: NFF/X
“Sorry for the people that think that way, oh yeah like I said I’m unlucky with the national team in terms of goal scoring now I feel, my biggest dream as a football player was me having this moment of me representing my country which I achieved by myself I pushed myself to that point which I’m greatful for it.”
“It doesn’t work bad, it doesn’t work good doesn’t mean I’m a bad player or anything. It doesn’t work good for the national team God knows why.”
With Eric Chelle now in charge of the Super Eagles, Boniface faces an uphill task to regain a spot in the squad. He has yet to score in seven Bundesliga appearances this season, providing just one assist for Bremen.
Nigeria are set to face Gabon next week in Rabat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.
Boniface was close to signing for AC Milan in the summer before the deal collapsed following issues during his medical.
“When the move to Milan failed, I was on TikTok with my friends,” he said. “A lot happens behind the scenes that people don’t see. To tell you the truth, I love playing in Germany. I love Germany.”
He instead joined Werder Bremen on loan after being told he was not part of Ten Hag’s plans at Leverkusen.
Leverkusen exit and Ten Hag’s arrival
After a strong season under Xabi Alonso, Boniface found himself sidelined when Erik ten Hag took charge, preferring other attacking options.
“I missed about 16 or 20 games and still scored eight goals the second-highest in the team. But they said it was a bad season,” he said. “I’m still trying to understand that.”
Ten Hag was sacked just weeks into the new campaign, but by then Boniface had already made the move to Bremen.
Boniface Werder Bremen. Photo Credit: Bremen/X
Boniface says he is still adapting to life at Bremen but remains positive about the future.
“I’ve not scored yet, but I’ve given an assist and my contribution keeps improving,” he said. “My dream when I was young was just to earn 300 euros and play football. I’ve come from struggle and injuries that could have ended my career. So, I’m grateful.”
“I love Germany. I had offers from England but chose to stay. Hopefully I’ll soon give the fans what they’re waiting for.”
READ MORE:nigeria-vs-gabon-fifa-faces-pressure-as-nff-protests-south-african-referee-appointments
The Nigerian has also made headlines in Germany for his outspoken social media activity, with tabloids describing some of his captions as “cryptic.”
Boniface. Photo Credit:Getty Images
One deleted post read:
“If you waste your money on too many women, you won’t achieve anything. Find one or two women and settle down. Three at most, or if you’re going through a lot, four are okay.”
Boniface says his posts are never meant to offend.
“My captions don’t mean anything. They don’t affect anybody,” he explained. “If I come online and insult someone, that’s different. But I just post something funny and leave. I can’t make everybody in this world happy.”
“They said, ‘he doesn’t post anymore, he must be going through something.’ But when I post, they still complain,” he said with a laugh.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Despite a difficult few months, Boniface who was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Season in the 2023/2024 season says he remains motivated.
“I’m grateful for everything for being here, for being healthy,” he said. “I just want to enjoy football again.”
