Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has publicly reacted for the first time after being excluded from Nigeria's final squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The 24-year-old striker, who will miss his second consecutive AFCON tournament, shared a cryptic message on social media alongside a photo with his high-value Lamborghini Urus, estimated to be worth a staggering 450 million Naira.
A Season of Struggle and Omission
The Bayer Leverkusen loanee, now at Werder Bremen, has endured a difficult period on the pitch for both club and country. Despite being named in coach Eric Chelle's provisional 54-man list, Boniface was dropped from the final 28-man squad set to compete in Morocco. His last appearance for the national team was in an international friendly against Russia in June, where he failed to score in the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen.
Boniface's challenges extended to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where he featured in four matches against Lesotho, Zimbabwe (twice), and Benin Republic without finding the back of the net. His frustration reportedly peaked after the Russia friendly, leading to a brief social media post announcing his international retirement, which he quickly deleted following fan backlash.
Club Career Challenges and Loan Move
At the club level, the 2025/26 season has been equally taxing. After a proposed transfer to AC Milan collapsed due to fitness concerns, Boniface secured a season-long loan move to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen on transfer deadline day. His departure from Bayer Leverkusen was precipitated by a reported fallout with manager Erik ten Hag, who limited his playing time during pre-season.
His fortunes have not improved in Bremen. In 11 appearances for his new club, the Nigerian is yet to score, managing only two assists and receiving one yellow card. His performances have drawn criticism from Werder Bremen manager Horst Steffen, adding to the pressure on the young forward.
Cryptic Social Media Statement and Fan Reaction
Addressing his turbulent year, Boniface took to X (formerly Twitter) with a succinct yet telling post. He wrote, "Tough year. Grateful for life", while posing proudly with his luxury Lamborghini Urus. The image of the expensive vehicle, juxtaposed with his admission of a difficult period, became the focal point for Nigerian football fans online.
Rather than expressing sympathy for his sporting woes, many fans humorously focused on the luxury car. One user, @TheDamiForeign, commented, "Tough year but u buy lambo. Oya nau." Another, @OnyensoNoble, added, "If this one nah tough year, only God knows wetin I wan describe this year as. Even bicycle I no buy." The reactions highlighted a disconnect between the athlete's perceived struggles and the display of extreme wealth.
Boniface's situation underscores the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by modern football stars. His omission from AFCON 2025, coupled with his club form, marks a significant setback for a player once considered a rising star for the Super Eagles. As he continues his loan spell in Germany, all eyes will be on whether he can rediscover the form that once made him a key prospect for both club and country.
