Victor Boniface: Finidi George Discloses Why Super Eagles Star Didn’t Feature Against South Africa

• Finidi George has opened up on the reason behind Victor Boniface absence in Nigeria's World Cup qualifier against South Africa
• The Bayer Leverkusen striker was on the bench all through the match as the Super Eagles drew with Bafana Bafana in Uyo
• The former Enyimba manager also gave an update on the possibility of using the Nigerian striker in their next match against Benin

The Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, has explained why Victor Boniface didn't feature in Nigeria's 1-1 draw against South Africa in the World Cup qualifying game on Friday.

Bafana Bafana took the lead in the first half through Themba Zwane, but an early goal in the second half from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru earned Nigeria a deserved draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Al Ain's Crespo vows 'hell' for Yokohama in ACL final

Football

With Victor Osimhen ruled out of the tie due to injury, Boniface was one of the players Nigerians hoped to lead the attack for the Super Eagles, but the Bayer Leverkusen striker was on the bench throughout the game.

In an interview with journalists after the game, as per Pooja Media, Finidi George confirmed that an injury to Semi Ajayi led to Boniface sitting on the bench for the entire 90 minutes of play.

The former Enyimba coach confirmed that the Nigerian striker could be given a chance in the next game if he's up and doing.

"We [initially] thought about bringing him in; he was supposed to come in [the second half], but when we had Semi Ajayi complaining that he had a knock and couldn't continue, we had to reverse that," he said.

"We have another game, definitely if he's up and doing, he's going to play. For me, it's what you can give to me on the field of play. Everybody wants this player or that player to feature in games, but in the end, if he's not performing, your fans will still be shouting, 'Take him off'."

Angry Kewell vows Yokohama will learn from AFC final drubbing

Football

"So, let us do our job; we know who is good to go; we have another game definitely; we'd see how we can make use of these players."

Nigeria's next game in the World Cup qualifiers would be against the Benin Republic at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Monday, June 10, according to Soccerway.

Boniface names fastest player in Nigeria squad

Sports Brief earlier reported that Boniface named Ademola Lookman as the fastest player in the Nigeria squad as the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Bayer Leverkusen star is in camp after missing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year due to injury.