'Lies' – Eric Chelle's agent dismisses reports Boniface has been axed from Super Eagles ahead of WCQs 1a5cx

Eric Chelle's agent, Sidibe, has swiftly moved to dismiss reports claiming that Victor Boniface has been deemed surplus to requirements ahead of the resumption of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers. 13s5c

The report suggested that Chelle was dissatisfied with Boniface's work rate, particularly his lack of pressing, tracking back and overall endeavour during Friday evening's high-profile friendly against Russia in Moscow.

Boniface featured for just over an hour in the 1-1 draw with Russia and has now gone 13 matches without a goal for the Super Eagles, having failed to find the net once again in Moscow.

In a post that has since been deleted, the Bayer Leverkusen striker, who is known for his humorous personality and could be mistaken for a comedian or content creator because of it, made a joke after the friendly against Russia.

He took the situation lightly and joked that he was retiring from international football (hanging up his boots), but it was clearly meant in jest, not as a serious announcement.

The now-deleted post has fueled speculation in the local media that Boniface may no longer be part of Chelle's plans for Nigeria’s September international fixtures.

When asked to confirm reports claiming that Chelle is unhappy with Boniface and does not plan to invite him to the national team again, Sidibe told allnigeriasoccer.com: "Eric is a professional—he doesn't work like that.

"If he had said something, you would hear it directly from his voice, an audio recording or an interview.

"Ninety-nine percent of what they write that Eric said is lies. He doesn't talk after regular press conferences before or after matches."

Boniface, 24, made his Nigeria debut in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe in September 2023.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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