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How Victor Boniface moved from the streets of Akure to become a Bundesliga champion
Boniface is known for his distinctive style of play. His playing characteristics include strengths in dribbling, finishing, and headed attempts, while his weaknesses lie in offside awareness, holding onto the ball, and defensive contribution.
With his German Bundesliga team, Bayer Leverkusen, and Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface, they made history last Sunday as they thrashed Werder Bremen 5 to 0 to become the new German champions. With five games remaining, Bayer Leverkusen’s victory meant that they had won the Bundesliga for the first time.
More importantly, the team led by Coach Xabi Alonso became the first in Germany to win 43 straight games. Additionally, Alonso’s squad shockingly knocked Bayern Munich, the defending champions, from their Olympian heights.
Victor Boniface, a Nigerian international, has been essential to coach Alonso’s strategies throughout. In 25 appearances across all competitions, the Nigerian forward has accrued 18 goals and 11 assists despite the disruptive injury periods that have occasionally forced him to the sidelines.
After Leverkusen’s incredible victory, Boniface, who scored the game’s first goal and also contributed an assist, celebrated by buying himself personalised Diamond chains. Boniface has been a revelation in his first season in Germany.
In the aftermath of the momentous victory in Germany, the 23-year-old striker for the Super Eagles enlisted the help of well-known jeweller Buchi Obasi, who created Osimhen’s championship rings and chains following his Napoli Scudetto victory the previous season. A big pendant with a picture of his late mother and brothers and the words “Dreams Are For Real” encrusted in a diamond is one of the pendants.
The other one, which similarly has the words “Keep Resting Mama” studded in a diamond, was made only as a memorial to his late mother.
An estimate of ¥ 10,000,000 has been placed on the value of both pieces.
Boniface had previously disclosed that he was raised by his grandparents and that at some point in the previous year, his grandma was flown out to watch him play in the Bundesliga after his mother passed away.
Still in celebratory mood, Boniface took a walk down memory lane, as he shared a photo from his early days playing football. In the post which he made on X, Boniface posted a picture captured from his childhood with the phrase “If you like give up”.
Boniface’s post gives fans a glimpse of his humble beginnings and how far he has come; from playing street soccer in Akure, to becoming a Bundesliga champion in his first year in Germany.
The 23-year-old’s post serves as an inspiration to others to keep pushing and not give up on their dreams.
In a brief interview granted after the title-deciding match, Boniface acknowledged his family and fans in Akure, and also hinted at a celebration saying “we go meet, we go shut down everywhere when I come”.
The Nigerian striker was also awarded with an honorary citizenship by the city of Leverkusen alongside his Bayer Leverkusen teammates, including fellow Nigerian football star Nathan Tella.
Bodø/Glimt
Victor Okoh Boniface who started with Lagos-based football academy, Real Saphphire began his journey to prominence when in 2019 he signed for a remote Norwegian side, Bodø/Glimt.
He suffered a ligament injury only two weeks after signing for Glimt, which was said to have kept him on the sidelines for the duration of the 2019 season. He was selected to the Nigeria U-20 squad to play the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, but had to withdraw from the squad due to injury. In September 2019 he nonetheless made his league debut for the club.
Union SG
In 2022, Boniface signed a four-year contract with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. Union reached the quarter-finals of the 2022–23 Europa League. The Nigerian youngster scored six goals in the competition, including a brace against Union Berlin in the round of 16, finishing as the competition’s joint top scorer along with Marcus Rashford.
Bayer Leverkusen
In 2023, Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen snapped him up on a 5-year contract that will last until 2028. He made his Bundesliga debut on 19 August, in a 3–2 home victory over RB Leipzig. The following week, he scored his first Bundesliga goals by netting a brace at the Borussia Park in a 3–0 away derby win against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Hard work, high productivity and discipline attracted national team coach Jose Peseiro to the young Nigerian who was painting German Bundesliga red with goals. Boniface made his debut for the Nigeria senior team on 10 September 2023, coming on in the 64th minute for Taiwo Awoniyi. He provided an assist in that match to Samuel Chukwueze. He was named in the Nigerian squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast. However, he was forced to withdraw from the AFCON-bound national team when he sustained a muscle injury. He was replaced by Terem Moffi.
Style of play
Boniface is known for his distinctive style of play. His playing characteristics include strengths in dribbling, finishing, and headed attempts, while his weaknesses lie in offside awareness, holding onto the ball, and defensive contribution.
He is described as a player who likes to dribble, likes to do layoffs, and likes to play long balls. These attributes contribute to his effectiveness as a forward on the field.
His background, including learning to play football in a military barracks in Nigeria, adds an interesting dimension to his journey as a footballer.
Overall, Victor Boniface’s style of play is characterized by his technical abilities, goal-scoring prowess, and unique playing preferences, making him a player to watch in the world of football.
