Esin backs Boniface to end Eagles drought

Former Super Eagles midfielder Etim Esin has backed Victor Boniface to end his goal drought for Nigeria ahead of their World Cup qualifier games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.

 Boniface has yet to score for the Super Eagles despite making 11 appearances since his debut against Benin Republic in September 2023, where he provided an assist for Samuel Chukwueze.

 “Some players were like that, I can think of some, they will score at their clubs but when they come here, it will be hard,” Esin told NewsNGR Sports Extra.

 “It is not that he’s not a good striker; I know a goal will bring him his confidence. He can come and break that jinx and maybe even score a brace. He has been getting chances, I have watched him closely.”

 The 24-year-old striker has netted 10 goals with one assist in 22 appearances for Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen this season amid reports of a potential summer exit.

 Boniface was initially selected for Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad but was forced to withdraw due to a muscle injury, denying him the opportunity to open his international account at the tournament.

 Esin, however, emphasised that results remain the priority for the national team.

 “It is all about the results, what we want is to win. Remember Rashidi Yekini took us to the 1994 World Cup, you have to be prolific at the national team,” he added.

 This sentiment echoes former Super Eagles star Sylvanus Okpala’s advice to Boniface last year, when he urged the striker to improve his efficiency in front of goal for the national team.

 “He needs to be talked to, given a lot of confidence, and reminded that as a centre forward, his primary role is to score. If he can’t score, then he should start providing assists,” Okpala said on Brila.

 “He shouldn’t be too anxious to score in every game. Yes, scoring is crucial, but he needs to stay calm. When you count one, you can get to two. Once he starts scoring, the confidence will return. It’s normal. Bayer Leverkusen is different from the national team.”