'I say to them' – Victor Boniface urges teammates to take Super Eagles duty more seriously

Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has issued a passionate appeal to his international teammates, urging them to treat representing Nigeria with the seriousness and pride it deserves.

The Bayer Leverkusen striker expressed disappointment with the attitude of some players towards national team duty, stating that wearing the green and white jersey should be a source of deep pride and responsibility.

"If some of my teammates are going to the national team, they feel like, we go, we play, whether we win or lose, it doesn't matter,” Boniface said on The Culture League podcast. 

"I am always trying to say to them, we are millions in Nigeria. I think in Africa, we have the highest population.”

Boniface admitted that he still finds it surreal to be part of the national setup, considering the size and passion of Nigeria's football-loving population.

"Me, representing the country, sometimes for me, I never believe I will be in this stage representing millions of Nigerians."

Despite his impressive club performances, Boniface has struggled to replicate that same form with the national team, and he opened up about the mental and emotional challenges of playing for the Super Eagles.

"Most people don't really understand how it feels for me to put on the Nigerian jersey and represent the country. I feel proud that I would want to give everything.

"Sometimes when you're trying hard to give it all, it doesn't seem to work, and it is like you're not happy and not in your free space."

The forward emphasized that the pressure to perform often stifles his natural style of play and personal approach to the game.

"For me, if I want to give my best, I don't need that pressure. I just want to keep doing the things I have been doing before getting to this stage.

"But if you're trying to change me to somebody, sorry you're not getting the best. 

"That's how I have built my career to a certain level because from the way I behave from academy to this time, it is the same routine. I joke a lot and I try to have fun so I can give my best.”

As the 2025/2026 season approaches, Boniface will be looking to rediscover his form under former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and solidify his place in the national team ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

Adeyemi Adewale

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