Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface led Bayer Leverkusen to a 3-1 win over Bochum on Friday night at the BayArena, just days after putting in a disappointing performance for Nigeria.
While the 24-year-old found the net for his club, many fans were quick to remind him of his struggles on the international stage.
After a string of substitute appearances, Boniface was handed a rare start by Xabi Alonso, partnering Patrik Schick in attack. He seized the opportunity, playing a key role as Leverkusen strengthened their grip at the top of the Bundesliga table.
Aleix Garcia opened the scoring for the hosts in the 20th minute, but Bochum responded six minutes later through Felix Passlack. Boniface restored Leverkusen’s lead on the hour mark, finishing clinically to ease the nerves of the home fans before Amine Adli sealed the victory in the 87th minute.
For Boniface, it was a much-needed return to form at club level. Before Friday’s match, his last goal for Die Werkself came in their 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim on February 2.
“Where was this energy?” – Fans react to Boniface’s goal
Despite his goal-scoring heroics for Leverkusen, Nigerian fans weren’t entirely impressed. Many took to social media to criticise his perceived lack of effort when representing the Super Eagles.
On X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote: “Boniface plays like prime Drogba for Leverkusen but turns into a Sunday League striker when he wears a Nigeria jersey.”
Another added: “What kind of charade is this. You come to Nigeria and you're non-existent, but when you go to Germany, you do this. Who are you fooling… yourself, of course”
Some even questioned his commitment to the national team.
However, not everyone was critical. One user defended the striker, arguing that the team’s tactics and game time were partly to blame.
:https://x.com/AkanenyingJ/status/1905727124125987184
Boniface’s inconsistent performances for Nigeria remain a concern. Since making his Super Eagles debut, he has featured 11 times but has only found the net once. While he thrives in Alonso’s system at Leverkusen, he has yet to replicate that form for Nigeria.
His underwhelming display in Nigeria’s recent game against Zimbabwe only added fuel to the fire. Fans were particularly vocal after his lackluster showing against the Warriors of Zimbabwe, where he struggled to influence the game.
