Super Eagles interim head coach, Austin Eguavoen, provided insights into Victor Boniface’s struggles in front of goal during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Libya in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. Despite Boniface’s reputation as a clinical striker, Eguavoen acknowledged the forward’s challenges while donning national colours.
“Boniface is a clinical striker,” Eguavoen remarked, “but he is struggling in national colours. Sometimes, the chances don’t come, and when they do, his decision-making needs to be sharper.”
Eguavoen highlighted that the young striker often hesitates in crucial moments, allowing defenders to recover. He referenced similar situations in Nigeria’s recent matches against Rwanda, where Boniface failed to capitalize on half-chances.
Eguavoen added, “I believe once he starts making quicker decisions, Boniface will score more goals. I’ll have a word with him about that.”
In Friday’s match against Libya, Nigeria secured a narrow 1-0 win thanks to a late goal from substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The Super Eagles dominated possession throughout the game but struggled to break down a disciplined Libyan defense. Dele-Bashiru’s 86th-minute strike broke the deadlock, sparking celebrations among the home crowd in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
With Victor Osimhen absent due to injury, Nigeria’s attack relied on Boniface, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon. Despite creating several chances, the Super Eagles found it difficult to convert, with notable misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Lookman.
The win places Nigeria atop Group D in their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign, with seven points, bolstering their chances of securing a spot in the tournament.
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