Follow @Emiearth on X for more expert analysis.
“Proud to play for my country… I don hang boot.” – Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface posted emotionally on Instagram after being subbed in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Russia.
In football, few things are more puzzling than watching players who consistently shine for their clubs in top leagues fade into the background and look like shadows of themselves when wearing their national jerseys. This phenomenon transcends time, and its persistence continues to spark debates among fans and pundits alike, prompting this article to explore the possible reasons behind it.
?? ??? ???? ????? ??? ?? ????! ??
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) June 17, 2025
Are you ready? ?
Club Comfort Zone
Players spend most of the year training with their club teammates under systems tailored for them. Tactics are drilled, relationships formed, and roles clearly defined. The club becomes a second home, where everyone knows their role and works together smoothly.
Take Emmanuel Dennis who made waves with Club Brugge in Belgium, notably scoring twice against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. His pace, skill, and fearlessness earned him a move to the English Premier League, where he impressed at Watford in the 2021/22 season with 10 goals and six assists. Despite his form, Dennis has had limited and underwhelming appearances for the Eagles.
The System
Tactics matter. Sometimes, it’s simply a case of the wrong system. Alex Iwobi provides a classic case. The Arsenal discovery became a key player at Everton under Frank Lampard and is now nearly irreplaceable at Fulham, having matured from a flashy winger into a reliable midfield engine. With the Super Eagles, Iwobi seems to struggle with consistency and end product despite occasionally showcasing flashes of brilliance.
Another example is Paul Pogba. For years, fans scratched their heads watching the midfielder struggle at Old Trafford while thriving in a French shirt. But the secret lay in the structure. In France, with N’Golo Kanté behind him, Pogba had the freedom to express himself. At United, that cover was often missing, and so was his flair.
Pressure of the Flag
Wearing the national jersey is about more than tactics – it’s about pressure. For many, it’s emotional. Representing your country comes with a weight that club football, even with all its money and exposure, doesn’t quite match. There’s the media scrutiny, national pride, and sometimes political undertones.
A Different Rhythm
Club football is a long-distance race; international football is a sprint. Players get into rhythm at clubs – 30, 40, even 50 games a season. National teams play sporadically. You might get a few friendlies, some qualifiers, then the pressure cooker of a tournament. Without the rhythm, chemistry suffers. So does confidence. A player might hit peak form in April but be asked to perform in a different system, with different players, in June. Even the best can stumble. Just ask Robert Lewandowski, lethal in all divisions but has often looked ordinary in major tournaments with Poland.
? ????? ??? ????! ?
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) June 17, 2025
Now you can win up to ?1 BILLION! ?
Even ???? explosive odds! Even ???? chances to win! ?
Are you playing with Yhemo? ?#CatchTheBOOM pic.twitter.com/PbOsJlU0eP
Coaching instability is also a factor, as frequent changes in coaching staff and playing philosophy make it difficult for some players to adapt. But in all, the story isn’t always bleak. Players like Victor Osimhen, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi prove that it’s possible to bridge the club-country gap. And for many, it’s just a matter of time. Sometimes, one tournament, one goal, or one tactical shift can change the narrative.
National team managers are now more aware of these dynamics. They watch how players thrive at club level and try to replicate those environments. It’s not always possible, but the intent is there.
As fans, perhaps we need to show more patience. International football is a different beast – less forgiving, more erratic. Not every club hero will be a country icon. But that doesn’t mean they’re not giving it their all.
After all, wearing the flag is a dream – even if sometimes, it feels like a nightmare.
1UP is here – get paid out early when your team takes the lead at any time! Check it out here!