Super Eagles striker, Victor Boniface, has shown a lack of concern about whether a local or foreign coach is chosen to head Nigeria’s national team, stating that even if someone like Guardiola were appointed, Nigerians would still find something to criticize.
Since Finidi George’s resignation in June, following just two games where the team lost once and drew once, the senior national team has been without a permanent head coach.
Former Nigerian Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick, in an interview with Arise TV, expressed a preference for a foreign coach, citing a lack of respect players often have for local coaches.
This led to the appointment of German coach Bruno Labbadia last week, but negotiations fell through, and Labbadia withdrew.
In response, Bayer Leverkusen star Boniface shared his perspective with Football Fans Tribe at the team’s camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He stated that it doesn’t matter which coach is hired, as public opinion will always be divided.
“The truth is even if we bring in Guardiola, Nigerians will still have something to say, but I’m the type of person that doesn’t care about what people think, because they’re not here with the team,” Boniface said. “Our job is to give it all on the pitch, and that’s it. It’s life. People will always criticize. So, no matter which coach you bring, people always have something to say.”
For the upcoming AFrica Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, the team will be managed by NFF technical director Austin Eguavoen, with assistance from Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and Remo Stars boss Daniel Ogunmodede.
Boniface, who missed the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire due to a groin injury, is set to return to the squad and play a significant role.
