Osimhen snubbing Boniface: Ex-African POTY reveals why Super Eagles No. 9 was frustrated after WCQ

Former African Player of the Year Victor Ikpeba has shed light on Victor Osimhen’s frustration following Nigeria’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.  

Osimhen, who opened the scoring for Nigeria, was visibly upset after the final whistle, as the Super Eagles conceded a late equalizer from Tawanda Chirewa.

A viral video showed the Super Eagles number 9 storming into the dressing room, ignoring pleas from Victor Boniface to join the rest of the team in appreciating the fans.  

His reaction has sparked mixed responses among Nigerians—while some sympathize with his frustration, others see it as disrespectful to the national team and supporters.  

Speaking on SuperSport's Monday Night Football, which was monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Ikpeba clarified Osimhen’s reaction, stating that it had nothing to do with any internal conflict within the squad.  

"If he is frustrated, it doesn't mean that he has some talk with Boniface, that makes it that they are fighting. It definitely has nothing to do with that," Ikpeba said.  

Ikpeba revealed that Osimhen's frustration stemmed from the team's struggles and the growing difficulty of securing World Cup qualification.

"He is frustrated because the opportunity to play for the World Cup is going away from them.

"And this is a young glad that spoke some few days to the game that it would be very fantastic for this generation of this players to be at the World Cup.

"They didn't qualify for Qatar, it still hurts these players."

Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup now hang in the balance.

The Super Eagles sit fourth in their group with seven points, trailing group leaders South Africa by six points.

With only four matches remaining, the team faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in the tournament set to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Adeyemi Adewale

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