Victor Boniface’s place in the Super Eagles squad is under increasing scrutiny as Nigeria prepares for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali on Friday.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward has struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage, with just one goal in 11 appearances for Nigeria. As new head coach Eric Chelle takes charge, questions loom over whether Boniface will feature in his plans for this must-win encounter.
The Super Eagles' qualification campaign has been nothing short of disastrous. With zero wins in four matches, they sit fifth in Group C behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. Under Jose Peseiro and later Finidi George, Nigeria managed just three draws and one defeat, leaving their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
Group leaders Rwanda have seven points, four ahead of Nigeria, making this fixture at Amahoro Stadium a pivotal one. Anything less than victory would further dent the Super Eagles' chances of securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
How does Victor Boniface fit into Chelle’s tactics?
New manager Eric Chelle arrives at a turbulent moment, tasked with rescuing Nigeria’s faltering campaign.
Known for his attacking football and tactical flexibility, Chelle previously impressed with Mali, achieving a 57% win rate while striking a balance between defensive solidity and offensive creativity.
His preferred setup is a 4-3-1-2 diamond formation, which prioritises midfield control and attacking fluidity. This system relies on full-backs providing width while two strikers spearhead the attack.
In theory, this should suit Nigeria’s attacking firepower, but it could limit the impact of traditional wingers like Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.
Chelle is also known to switch between 4-4-2, 4-3-3, and 4-2-3-1, depending on the opponent. Whether he sticks to his usual structure or adjusts to Nigeria’s strengths remains to be seen.
Despite excelling at Bayer Leverkusen, where he has been a key figure in their Bundesliga title charge, Boniface has struggled with Nigeria. His physical presence and link-up play make him an asset, but he has found it difficult to adapt to the more aggressive, less structured nature of African football.
With Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman flourishing in a front two, Boniface could be left on the bench. If Chelle sticks with a 4-3-1-2, Boniface may find himself competing for a secondary striker role rather than leading the line.
Predicted Super Eagles XI vs Rwanda
- GK: Stanley Nwabali
- RB: Ola Aina
- CB: William Troost-Ekong
- CB: Calvin Bassey
- LB: Bruno Onyemaechi
- CMs: Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Raphael Onyedika
- AM: Alex Iwobi
- FWs: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman
Boniface could still feature, but his starting spot is far from guaranteed. If Lookman is unavailable, Chelle may deploy Boniface alongside Osimhen or adjust the system to fit all three attackers.
