Victor Boniface Profile: Club And International Career, Market Value

Victor Okoh Boniface is a Nigerian professional footballer born on December 23, 2000, in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. He currently plays as a striker for Bayern Leverkusen In the Bundesliga and is a member of the Nigeria national team

Standing at 1.90 meters (6 feet 3 inches) tall, Boniface is known for his impressive speed, strength, and dribbling skills. He is also praised for his ability to finish scoring opportunities and his strong work ethic on the field.

Victor Boniface Club Career:

It all started in January 2018 when he went on loan to KTFF Süper Lig club Lefke TSK. After spending a short time there, he returned to his original team, Real Sapphire, in July 2018.

This early period in his career laid the foundation for his future successes. March 2019, Boniface signed with Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt from Real Sapphire. And just two weeks after signing, he suffered a ligament injury.

This injury was severe enough to keep him out of play for the entire 2019 season. Regardless of this setback, Boniface’s potential was clear, and he was selected for the Nigeria U-20 squad to play in the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

However, due to his injury, he had to withdraw from the squad. Nonetheless, he made his league debut for Bodø/Glimt in September 2019. In August 2022, Boniface signed a four-year contract with the Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise.

His time at Union SG was seen by notable achievements, especially in the 2022–23 Europa League. Boniface scored six goals in the competition, including two goals in a single match against Union Berlin in the round of 16.

His impressive performance made him the joint top scorer of the competition, sharing the honor with Marcus Rashford. On 22 July 2023, he signed with Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen on a contract that would last until 2028, giving him the number 22 shirt.

Boniface made his Bundesliga debut as a starter on 19 August 2023 in a thrilling 3–2 home victory over RB Leipzig. A week later, on 26 August, he scored his first Bundesliga goals, netting two goals in a 3–0 away win against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

In early April 2024, Boniface faced another challenge when he suffered an adductor injury in January. However, his determination saw him recover and return to the field by April.

On 11 April, he returned, scoring a goal in a 2–0 win against West Ham United in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final. His momentum continued, and four days later, he scored a penalty and provided an assist in a 5–0 victory over Werder Bremen.

This win was particularly noteworthy as it helped Bayer Leverkusen secure the Bundesliga title for the first time with five games to spare. Boniface’s first season at Bayer Leverkusen was remarkable, finishing as the club’s top scorer in the league, with a total of 14 goals.

His scoring prowess and overall performance earned him recognition as the second-highest African goal scorer in the 2023/2024 Bundesliga season.

Victor Boniface International Career:

Victor Boniface began his international career with the Nigeria senior team on September 10, 2023. He made his debut in a match where he substituted in for Taiwo Awoniyi in the 64th minute.

During that game, he assisted Samuel Chukwueze. This debut was a promising start for Boniface, showing his potential to be a valuable player for the national team. As 2023 came to an end, Boniface received more exciting news.

On December 29, 2023, he was selected to be part of the Nigerian squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. This tournament, held in the Ivory Coast, is one of the most prestigious football competitions in Africa.

Being chosen for this squad was an achievement and an honor for Boniface, highlighting his growing importance in the national team. Unfortunately, Boniface’s promising start to his international career faced a setback.

On January 8, 2024, just before the Africa Cup of Nations began, he suffered a muscle injury. This injury was unbearable enough to prevent him from participating in the tournament.

As a result, Boniface had to be replaced in the squad by Terem Moffi. Missing the tournament was undoubtedly a disappointment for Boniface, who had been looking forward to representing Nigeria on such a big stage.

Victor Boniface Market Value:

Victor Boniface’s current market value is €40.00 million, which is also his highest market value, reached on October 18, 2023. As of the latest update on May 29, 2024, his value remains the same. Over time, his market value has grown, peaking at €40.00 million in 2023.

Victor Boniface Honors:

Bodø/Glimt

2020, 2021: Eliteserien

Bayer Leverkusen

2023/2024: Bundesliga
2023/2024: DFB-Pokal

Individual

2022/2023: UEFA Europa League top scorer
2022/2023: UEFA Europa League Team of the Season
2023: August, September, October, November: Bundesliga Rookie of the Month
2023: Bundesliga Player of the Month
2023/2024: Bundesliga Team of the Season
2023/2024: Bundesliga Rookie of the Season

Ken Anucha

Kenneth is a an avid soccer follower, fan and writer. He is a consistent follower of the sport and is a fan of Chelsea FC.