Prediction gone wrong: Eguavoen cites Romario as he urges Boniface to take half chances like Brazil great

Nigeria's interim manager Augustine Eguavoen cited Brazil great Romario while addressing Victor Boniface's goal drought at international level.

Having failed to score against Libya's Mediterranean Knights this evening in Uyo, the Bayer Leverkusen marksman has now gone nine matches without scoring for the Super Eagles since making his debut against São Tomé and Príncipe in September 2023.

Libya's resolute defence and the outstanding goalkeeper Murad Al Wuheeshi prevented the Super Eagles from breaking the deadlock until the 86th minute when super sub Fisayo Dele-Bashiru poked home from inside the box following a brilliant cross from Moses Simon.

Eguavoen assured every Nigerian before the game that Boniface would score against the Libyans, a prediction that did not come to pass, with the striker firing blanks in 74 minutes of action before making way for Taiwo Awoniyi.

The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning defender highlighted that Boniface's poor decision-making in front of goal is to blame for his goal drought for the national team, and vowed to hold showdown talks with the Bayer Leverkusen star.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Eguavoen stated: "Boniface is a clinical striker, clinical finisher but he has struggled in the national colours. You see, sometimes these chances don't come.

"I remember in Rwanda, today also, when you get a half chance, the likes of Romario, they poke the ball, but he wants to dress, dress and dress and the defenders recover.

"So if he decides on time, I think Boniface will score a lot of goals. I will speak to him about it."

Boniface has tallied 98 goal involvements (67 goals, 31 assists) in 160 games for his clubs.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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