Reports suggesting that Victor Boniface has been axed from Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been firmly denied by Eric Chelle’s agent, Sidibe. The speculation followed Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Russia, where Boniface once again failed to score, extending his goalless run for the national team to 13 matches.
Rumours began circulating that Chelle was unhappy with Boniface’s work rate, particularly his lack of pressing and defensive effort during the Russia game. These claims intensified after the Bayer Leverkusen striker posted a joking comment on social media suggesting he was “retiring” from international football a post he later deleted.
However, Sidibe dismissed the rumours, stating: “Eric is a professional he doesn’t work like that. If he had said something, you would hear it directly from his voice, an audio recording or an interview. Ninety-nine percent of what they write that Eric said is lies.”
Boniface, 24, made his Super Eagles debut in September 2023 during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe. Despite his struggles in front of goal for Nigeria, he remains a key figure at club level with Bayer Leverkusen.
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Editorial
The drama swirling around Victor Boniface’s place in the Super Eagles squad highlights the dark side of football discourse where speculation too often overshadows fact. Boniface may be struggling to find the net for Nigeria, but turning a goal drought into a supposed rift with the coach is not only misleading it’s damaging.
Eric Chelle’s agent didn’t just deny the rumour he exposed how easily misinformation can spread when context is ignored. A deleted joke on social media, especially from a player known for humour, should not be enough to spark headlines about being dropped from the national team.
We must remember that football is a process. Boniface, still only 24, is adapting to a different role and expectation within a national side that’s still finding rhythm under new leadership. Strikers thrive on confidence, and nothing kills confidence faster than public doubt inflated by unfounded stories.
This incident also reminds us how thin the line is between banter and backlash in today’s football culture. Boniface’s light-hearted post was never meant to signal discontent. Yet, in the age of viral content and click-chasing, nuance gets lost.
Let’s give the man space to rediscover his scoring boots—on his own terms and without tabloid pressure.
Did You Know?
- Victor Boniface was Bayer Leverkusen’s second-highest goal scorer in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season.
- He made his senior Nigeria debut less than two years ago and has played exclusively in friendly matches.
- Boniface is known for his humorous and energetic social media presence, often joking with fans.
- He helped Leverkusen win their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024 under Xabi Alonso.
- Under FIFA rules, a social media post—even joking—does not constitute formal retirement from international football.
