Body Tape Mystery: Boniface publicly calls out teary Super Eagles debutant's strange face covering

Boniface and Arokodare mid-air after Super Eagles win against Rwanda.

Body Tape Mystery: Boniface publicly calls out teary Super Eagles debutant's strange face covering

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 10:18 - 23.03.2025

Victor Boniface and new Super Eagles debutant Toluwase Arokodare continued their bromance with the Bayer Leverkusen striker mocking his teammate for sporting a tape on his nose.

The Super Eagles camp is buzzing with more than just World Cup qualifier prep, thanks to Victor Boniface turning a quiet moment into a viral comedy sketch. 

The Bayer Leverkusen striker couldn’t resist calling out his teammate Toluwase Arokodare for an eyebrow-raising sight: one strip of tape stretched across the debutant’s nose and another slapped over his mouth. 

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The hilarious exchange, caught on Boniface’s Snapchat and amplified on X by celebrated photojournalist Poojamedia, has fans and followers in stitches.

In the now-infamous video, Boniface and Raphael Onyedika are seen doubled over with laughter as they sneak up on the napping Genk forward. 

Arokodare made his debut in the second half. (Photo Credit: Arokodare via Modzero/IG)

The 6ft6in striker, who towered over Rwanda’s defence in his Super Eagles debut last week, stepping in for the injured Victor Osimhen, looked anything but imposing in sleep, his face framed by the odd dual-tape contraption. 

“Tolu, wetin be this?” Boniface prodded, barely containing his glee as Arokodare jolted awake, eyes wide with confusion. The room erupted as the gentle giant fumbled for an explanation, only adding to the hilarity.

Victor Boniface catches Arokodare's mystery tapes.

Arokodare didn’t let the teasing slide for long. In a follow-up comment on Pooja’s Instagram post, he delivered a deadpan defence: 

“To stop me from snoring. Make I no go use snoring kee person. Make them no pursue me mid-air.” 

His quip, a nod to keeping the peace in cramped team quarters or perhaps even mid-flight, drew even more laughs, proving he’s as quick with a comeback as he is on the pitch.

This playful banter comes at a pivotal time for Nigeria. Fresh off a 2-0 win over Rwanda that revived their 2026 World Cup hopes, the Super Eagles are back in Uyo, sharpening up for Tuesday’s clash with Zimbabwe. 

Arokodare doesn't want to snore his teammates to death.

Coach Eric Chelle has the squad on lockdown, enforcing strict no-visitor rules to maintain focus. Yet, moments like these reveal a lighter side to the team’s dynamic. 

Boniface, already a fan favourite for his flair and goals, and Arokodare, the towering newcomer making waves, are fast becoming the heart of a growing bromance.

Tolu Arokodare during his Super Eagles debut. (Photo Credit: Arokodare/Modzero)

With social media lighting up over the “nose tape mystery,” supporters are loving this glimpse into the squad’s chemistry.