Former Super Eagles and Manchester City player Kayode Olanrewaju has come to the defence of Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface, who has faced criticism from Nigerian fans over his recent performances for the national team.
In an exclusive interview Olanrewaju highlighted the differences between European and African football, stressing that Boniface needs time to adapt to the demands of playing for the Super Eagles.
“People need to understand that transitioning from European football to African football is not easy. Boniface has great potential, and he deserves patience as he adjusts to the national team’s style,” Olanrewaju said.
He said: “People are always questioning Boniface’s performance with the Super Eagles, but it’s not all about the national team. He just needs time. You can’t compare European football with African football; it’s different. Look at the facilities, stadiums, and other things – it’s different.”
Shifting his focus to Ademola Lookman, Olanrewaju highlighted his technical skills and proposed that he could become Nigeria’s first Ballon d’Or winner.
He said, “Lookman is different, very technical, can dribble, has a great pass, and nice shooting technique. Lookman is in form, and he’s doing well. For me, it’s Lookman, nobody else. He had a great season, and I’m sure he’ll continue to excel.”
Olanrewaju, in conclusion, emphasized the importance of improving Nigerian football infrastructure, citing Morocco as a standard.
“Morocco’s facilities, pitches, and training grounds are different from ours. They’re well-kept and organized, and that’s why they’re doing well. Morocco is bound to be in the World Cup final soon. We need to learn from them,” he observed
