Werder Bremen striker, Victor Boniface has confessed that his time with the Super Eagles has not gone the way he dreamed, admitting his frustration at not finding the net for Nigeria.
Victor Boniface, who is currently on loan at Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen, spoke openly about his struggles in front of goal during a chat with Nigerian sports journalist Oma Akatugba.
The 24-year-old said he understands the disappointment among fans but insists he remains proud to wear the green and white.
“I have been unlucky with the national team in terms of scoring goals, even though there were a couple of games where I was not good,” Boniface said. “My biggest dream as a football player was to represent my country, and I achieved this, and I am grateful for this. Because it has not worked well for me with the national team does not mean I am a bad player.”
Since breaking into the Super Eagles squad, Boniface has often been seen as one of Nigeria’s most promising forwards. Yet, while he continues to impress at club level in Europe, the goals have been hard to come by when representing his country.
Boniface admitted that missing clear chances and failing to convert in key matches has tested his patience, but he refuses to let it define him. “Struggles in a few games don’t define me or reduce the pride I feel every time I play for Nigeria,” he added.
The striker, who missed part of last season with injury, said he draws strength from his journey and remains focused on improvement. “I came from humble beginnings. I’ve faced tough injuries that could have ended my career, so every day I’m thankful to God. Being here is already a blessing,” he said.
Boniface also dismissed talk that his time at Bayer Leverkusen was underwhelming, noting that his stats tell a different story. “I missed a lot of games but still scored eight goals. I don’t understand how that became a bad season,” he said.
While many fans have been quick to criticise his form and even his social-media presence, Boniface brushed off the comments. “I just post funny things. If people make it into a big issue, that’s their choice. My posts don’t hurt anyone. When I stopped posting, they said I must be going through something. When I post, they still complain,” he said.
On rumours linking him with a move to AC Milan during the transfer window, Boniface revealed that he took the situation calmly. “When the Milan deal didn’t go through, I was just relaxing with my friends. Things like that happen in football all the time,” he said. “I love Germany. I really do.”
Despite the criticism, Boniface insists he will not give up on his Super Eagles dream. He believes his time will come and that the goals will eventually arrive.
“I’m always proud to play for Nigeria,” he said. “It hasn’t been easy, but I believe my moment will come. I’ll keep working hard and stay ready whenever I’m called up.”