AFCON 2025 qualifier: ‘He’s my brother, we have same mindset’ – Osimhen defends Victor Boniface

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has defended team-mate, Victor Boniface in the wake of the criticism he received from some pundits and fans for his display against Benin Republic in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifying match on Saturday.

While Boniface wasted a couple of chances that came his way during the match at the Godswill Akpabio international Stadium, Osimhen needed just less than six minutes after his introduction to score Nigeria’s second goal against Benin.

The match eventually ended 3-0 in favour of the Super Eagles as Ademola Lookman scored a brace.

Speaking about the Bayer Leverkusen attacker, Osimhen, who recently signed for Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, said missing chances is a normal occurrence for strikers.

According to him, Boniface is his brother, alongside Taiwo Awoniyi, adding that they all have the same mindset.

“Boniface has been a brother to me just like Awoniyi. One thing I really love about this group is the unity and solidarity regardless of who is starting or who is on the bench.

“We all have the same mindset, the same goal to win every game, to fight for each other,” Osimhen told Counter Attack Podcast.

“Boniface had a very good game [against Benin], he was quite unlucky with some attempts but it’s normal. Strikers miss a lot of chances as we can score.

“He really did well and is an important player who can win games for us individually. It’s really a good game from him and it was important for me to come in and also do my thing.”