…The Nigeria international has more than 100 followers on X, where he often shares comic and funny posts
Former Digital Communications Assistant to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has lodged a complaint with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against Super Eagles and Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface following a social media post made by the latter, Soccernet.ng reports.
Boniface has been one of Nigeria’s most celebrated stars in Europe this term for his exploits in the German Bundesliga and Europa League for Bayer Leverkusen.
Ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s Europa League clash with Qarabag on Thursday, Boniface was awarded the Golden Boot as the joint top-scorer in last season’s performance competition.
After the encounter, the former Union Saint-Gilloise striker posted a video of the Golden Boot on X (formerly Twitter).
In the now-deleted video post, Boniface captioned the Golden Boot as “Aboki may think that it’s an iron.”
Expressing his discontent, Ahmad highlighted the potential disunity stemming from using the term ‘Aboki’ by Boniface. ‘Aboki’ is the word for ‘friend’ in the Hausa language.
In his address to the NFF also on X, Ahmad emphasised the significance of unity within the diverse and culturally rich nation of Nigeria.
“I write to the Nigeria Football Federation to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding recent comments made by Boniface a prominent player of our national team, the Super Eagles,” the former aide wrote on his X.
“His comment has the potential to promote disunity, which is contrary to the ideals that our nation holds dear. Nigeria, as a diverse and culturally rich country, has always celebrated unity in diversity.
“Our national sports teams, including the Super Eagles, have been a source of pride and unity for all Nigerians. These teams serve as a unifying force, transcending ethnic, religious, and regional differences. They bring us together and allow us to celebrate our shared love for the beautiful game.
“However, it is disheartening to witness a player of the Super Eagles making statements that appear to sow division or discord. We, as lovers of Nigerian unity, believe that unity and cohesion are essential for the success of our national teams.
“Therefore, it is crucial that we condemn any actions or remarks that may undermine this unity.
“I kindly request that the Nigeria Football Federation takes this matter seriously and addresses it appropriately.
“I look forward to seeing positive steps taken to address it.
“Bashir Ahmad.”
However, Special Assistant to NFF President Abubakar Barde has reacted to Ahmad’s post.
Barde pointed out that Boniface, who had no intention to cause disunity in the country, had deleted the post.
“It’s been taken down and he didn’t really mean harm, though. Boniface believes in one Nigeria and he is an agent of unity,” – Barde replied Ahmad.
Meanwhile, Boniface has been in good form for Leverkusen, netting ten goals and providing four assists in 12 appearances across all competitions this season.
The 22-year-old forward has been named the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month twice and won the Player of the Month award in August.
He made an impactful Super Eagles debut with an assist in their 6-0 triumph over São Tomé and Principe during the September 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
