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Victor Boniface: one of Nigeria’s brightest talents ready to shine for the Super Eagles, says Victor Ikpeba

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Former Nigeria international and Borussia Dortmund star, Victor Ikpeba, has praised Victor Boniface for his meteoric rise at Bayer Leverkusen, hailing him as one of the most exciting young talents in Nigerian football.

Ikpeba expressed his admiration for Boniface’s impressive form in Germany and his potential to make a lasting impact on the Super Eagles, despite a slow start on the international stage.

Boniface’s move to Bayer Leverkusen last summer raised some eyebrows when the Bundesliga club paid €20 million for the striker, who had yet to feature in any of Europe’s top five leagues.

However, the 23-year-old quickly silenced his critics.

During the 2022-2023 season, he contributed 31 goal involvements in 39 matches—scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists—helping Leverkusen break a 31-year trophy drought.

His performances were pivotal in Xabi Alonso’s side going unbeaten for 51 games, though they ultimately lost to Atalanta in the Europa League final.

Continuing his fine form, Boniface has made an excellent start to the current season, with three goals and one assist in his first five Bundesliga appearances.

He also found the net in Leverkusen’s German Super Cup victory and scored a decisive goal in their UEFA Champions League win against AC Milan at the BayArena earlier this week.

Ikpeba, speaking in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, said, “Boniface has performed well, but I’m not surprised with his current level.

He’s a very good and talented boy.

We saw his qualities at Bodo Glimt and St. Gallen.

He’s a special player—simple and humble.”

The former striker added, “He’s one of Nigeria’s brightest talents in Europe, and he’s in good hands under Xabi Alonso at his club.”

Despite his impressive club form, Boniface has struggled to replicate his success on the international stage.

In eight appearances for the Nigerian national team, the forward has yet to score and has recorded just one assist.

His recent outings in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda left fans wanting more, as he failed to find the back of the net in either match.

Addressing the criticism, Ikpeba emphasized the need for patience.

“Sometimes, players need time to adapt to the national team,” he explained. “International football is different from club football, both in style and rhythm.

At the club level, you spend months training and playing with the same teammates, which helps your performance.”

“Victor is still relatively new to the national team and is adjusting to playing with unfamiliar teammates.

I believe the goals will come. He came very close to scoring against Rwanda, so he just needs to focus on his game, especially with the competition for his position.”

Ikpeba also urged Nigerian fans to remain patient as Boniface finds his feet on the international stage.

“Nigerian fans need to be patient; the goals will come. Even Victor Osimhen took time to settle and start scoring consistently for the national team.”

When asked whether Boniface could challenge Osimhen for the Super Eagles’ main striker role, Ikpeba responded confidently.

“I believe Boniface will get his chance to shine.

Odion Ighalo was the main striker before, and Osimhen didn’t get much game time initially, but now he’s the key player.

Boniface’s opportunity will come, and when it does, he’ll deliver.”

As Boniface continues to light up the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, the hope remains that his domestic success will soon translate to international goals.

With support from experienced figures like Ikpeba and patience from fans, his journey with the Super Eagles is far from over.

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Bokor Elikplim

Bokor Elikplim

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