Former Arsenal and Super Eagles striker Nwankwo Kanu has called on Nigerian players, including Victor Boniface, to improve their performances for the national team to match their club level.
Kanu, a 1996 Olympic gold medalist and one of Nigeria’s most successful football exports, achieved significant success with clubs like Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, where he was part of the unbeaten team in 2004.
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Kanu’s message to Boniface and others
In a recent interview with Brila, the 48-year-old emphasized the need for current players to bring the same energy and intensity they show at their clubs to the national team.
He said,
“They are very important. They can’t be doing well in their various clubs and then come to the national team they will not do the same. No,
”When you come to the national team you give more than what you give to the clubs. You can’t wear that jersey and be slacking. If you’re giving your club 100%, give us 200%.
”The players need to understand that that we may be talking about coaching all the time but they need to do more. From what I’ve seen in recent matches, they are improving, and they’re getting better.”
Kanu’s comments come as Victor Boniface and other Super Eagles stars, have struggled to replicate their impressive club performances on the international stage.
The 23-year-old forward has scored just one goal in seven caps for Nigeria, despite a stellar season with Bayer Leverkusen, where he has netted eight goals in 13 appearances. Last season, Boniface tallied 21 goals and provided 11 assists in 34 games.
With upcoming AFCON Qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda in November, Boniface will be eager to translate his club form to the national team when he next takes the field.
