With Victor Osimhen sidelined due to injury, Victor Boniface has expressed confidence in filling the shoes of the star striker as the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Libya.
The absence of Osimhen, a regular starter for Nigeria, has left a void in the attack, but Boniface remains unfazed by the task ahead.
Osimhen’s injury blow came after his stellar performance for Turkish club Galatasaray, where he scored twice in a league match against Keneth Omeruo’s Kasimpasa.
Nigeria's interim manager, Austin Eguavoen, has selected Boniface, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Taiwo Awoniyi as his centre-forward options for the double-header against Libya.
Boniface ready for the challenge
Victor Boniface, who has been in sensational form for Bayer Leverkusen with six goals in nine appearances this season, is widely expected to lead the line for the Super Eagles.
Speaking to Football Fans Tribe, the 23-year-old striker dismissed the notion of feeling additional pressure in Osimhen's absence, instead emphasizing the collective effort of the team.
“I don't feel any pressure,” Boniface stated. “It's not just me; we have other strikers—Kelechi, Awoniyi, and myself. If I play, if anyone of us plays, we will try to get the win.
“For me, the most important thing is the team's performance. If we are winning and I'm not scoring, then I don't have any problem.”
Boniface also downplayed individual expectations, stressing that team success outweighs personal accolades: “Whatever people want to say, they should say, but as long as we are getting the win, then it's fine by me.”
Having made his Super Eagles debut in a 6-0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe in September 2023, Boniface has since earned eight caps for Nigeria.