Why Victor Boniface Was Not Used Against South Africa – Finidi George 

COACH Finidi George of Super Eagles of Nigeria has shed light on his decision not to field Victor Boniface in Friday night’s encounter against Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

The Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw against the South African side in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier thereby disappointing scores of football fans who expected outright victory in the encounter. Victor Boniface was held as capable of turning the table in favour of Nigeria. 

However, despite the promising striker’s potential inclusion from the bench, Finidi explained that the circumstances on the field of play prompted a change in plans.

“We thought about bringing him in, he was supposed to come in, but when we had Ajayi complain that he couldn’t continue, we had to reverse that,” Finidi acknowledged in a post-match interview on Friday.

The coach noted a tactical shift, ultimately leading to Boniface’s exclusion from the match.

Finidi was however quick to reassure fans that the talented forward’s opportunity may still come. “We have another game definitely if he’s up and doing he’s going to play,” he stated.

Addressing the criticism and demands from some quarters regarding player selections, Finidi emphasized the importance of on-field performance over external pressures.

“For me, it’s what you can give to me on the field of play. Everybody wants this player or that player to play, but at the end of the day, if the player is not performing, you guys will still be shouting take him off, so let us do our job. We know who is good to go. 

“Nobody is going to tell me when to change a player that’s not going to happen… We will change a player when we know we can change him…”

“Everybody is a coach today- that’s the truth cuz  it’s like when you are playing draft – when you stand outside the board you see and know everything but when you are brought on the hot seat in the bench you don’t see anything anymore.”

“So let us do our job, we know who is good to go and definitely we have another game and we can see how we can play this guys.”

“People can say what they want, but we are focused on getting the job done.”

Eighteen-Eleven Media