Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has called on his fellow Nigerian internationals to treat their national team duties with greater passion, pride, and purpose. Speaking on The Culture League podcast, the Bayer Leverkusen star delivered a heartfelt plea, reminding teammates that wearing the green and white jersey is more than just a match—it’s a responsibility to over 200 million people.

> “Some players act like it doesn’t matter whether we win or lose,” Boniface said, visibly emotional. “But I always tell them—this is Nigeria. We’re millions. One of the most passionate football nations in the world.”

Boniface, who had a standout season in Germany but has yet to find consistent form with the Super Eagles, admitted that representing Nigeria still feels surreal.

> “Sometimes I still can’t believe I’m here, wearing the national jersey, playing for millions of Nigerians.”

The 23-year-old forward opened up about the pressure that comes with national expectations and how it affects his natural rhythm and joy for the game.

> “When you carry too much pressure, you’re no longer yourself. I’ve always succeeded by being me—joking, smiling, enjoying the game. If you try to change that, you’re not going to get the best out of me.”

Boniface also revealed that the weight of trying to meet expectations can sometimes overshadow the excitement of playing, especially when fans don’t see the internal struggles players face.

> “Most people don’t understand what it feels like. I want to give everything, but when it’s not clicking, it hurts—and then you’re no longer in your free space.”

As he gears up for a new club season under Erik ten Hag and prepares for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, Boniface is determined to stay true to himself—and hopes his words will reignite a deeper sense of purpose within the squad.

> “This jersey means something. It’s not just for us. It’s for every kid watching, every family that believes in us. We owe it to them to care.”