Boniface pens inspirational message after UCL debut

Victor Boniface, Super Eagles striker, recently took to social media to share a motivational story about his rise from paying just “N30” to watch UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches in Akure to making his debut in the prestigious tournament.

The 23-year-old, who grew up in Akure, Ondo, marked his UCL debut on Thursday during Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-0 away win over Feyenoord in the Netherlands.

Boniface played 62 minutes before being substituted for Patrik Schick. He played a key role in Leverkusen’s second goal, delivering a clever pass to Jeremie Fripong, who set up Alejandro Grimaldo for an easy finish.

After the game, Boniface reflected on his journey in a tweet, recalling his humble beginnings at local viewing centers and the thrill of now competing in the Champions League.

“From paying N30 to watch Champions League football for night back then for 323 army barrack Akure, to playing my first Champions League game. Proud of this moment,” he tweeted.

Boniface left Nigeria for Europe in 2019, joining Bodo/Glimt in Sweden from Real Sapphire Academy in Lagos. After winning two Eliteserien league titles, he moved to Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, where he continued to shine, finishing as joint top scorer in the 2022/23 Europa League alongside Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.

Following a stellar season, he transferred to Bayer Leverkusen, becoming a key figure in the team’s unbeaten domestic run last season. This season, Boniface has already recorded three goals and one assist in five appearances, bringing his total tally for the club to 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 matches.