Tremendous Eagles and Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has but to persuade many Nigerian soccer followers that he’s match for nationwide obligation. In his 9 appearances for the nationwide staff, he registered only one purpose within the pleasant in opposition to Saudi Arabia in 2023 and one help.
Nonetheless, this hasn’t been the case for Boniface at his Bundesliga membership, Bayer Leverkusen, the place he has scored six objectives and made one help, elevating questions on his suitability for the nationwide staff. Regardless of this, the striker has been included within the 23-man squad for the upcoming double-header in opposition to Benin Republic and Rwanda.
In an interview with Premium Instances, former Tremendous Eagles defender Chikelue Iloenyosi shared his experience on Boniface’s struggles to attain commonly for the Tremendous Eagles. Iloenyosi’s insights supply a nuanced perspective on Boniface’s purpose drought and the broader challenges dealing with Nigerian soccer.
Iloenyosi, who performed within the German Bundesliga and Turkish Tremendous League, emphasised the necessity for endurance.
“Nigeria doesn’t have endurance for failure, however Boniface is a implausible participant. We have to give him time. He’s doing properly in his membership, and as soon as he begins scoring for the nation, he has the potential to change into a prime goalscorer.”
The Bundesliga issue
Iloenyosi praised the German Bundesliga, the place Boniface at the moment performs, as “virtually the perfect league on the earth.” He attributed Boniface’s success within the league to his arduous work and dedication. “Bundesliga is all about health; in the event you’re not match, you’ll be able to’t play. Boniface is a implausible participant, very obedient and a pleasant boy. I’m supporting him in every part.”
Evaluating eras
When requested if something has modified within the Bundesliga since his taking part in days, Iloenyosi replied, “Nothing has modified. Bundesliga continues to be about health and self-discipline.” He highlighted the variations between the Bundesliga and different leagues, citing the rigorous coaching regimens and emphasis on bodily conditioning.
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Grassroots growth
Iloenyosi, the present Anambra state FA chairman, harassed the significance of grassroots growth in nurturing younger expertise.
“For those who don’t get it proper from grassroots soccer, you’ll be able to by no means get it proper in Nigeria.” He advocated elevated concentrate on U-13, U-15, U-17, and U-20 soccer, citing his experiences growing younger gamers in Anambra.
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“We have to get it proper in varied states; be sure that folks key into grassroots soccer. See what we’re doing now with the U-15 nationwide staff? They’re already in camp, attempting to groom gamers for the U-17. That is what we’d like in Nigeria to get to the subsequent stage.”
Nigeria play Benin on Thursday on the Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan and host Rwanda on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo on Monday, 18 November.
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