Victor Boniface: The Nigerian Star Driving Bayer Leverkusen's Unstoppable Rise

Victor Boniface, the Nigerian striker who has become a vital cog in Bayer Leverkusen's resurgence, reflects on a season that can only be described as extraordinary. With the German champions clinching their first Bundesliga title in over three decades and lifting the German Cup, Boniface's contributions have been instrumental in a tale of triumph that has resonated across the footballing world. In conversation with BBC Sport Africa, the 23-year-old revealed the surprise and pride that filled the dressing room as they embarked on an unbeaten domestic campaign. “Before the start of the season, none of us thought we would achieve something crazy like this,” he admitted. This sentiment underscores the ambition and belief that blossomed amongst the players as the season progressed. “After a few games, we had this feeling that we wanted to do great things for the club. We said to ourselves that we can't have such good performances and not have anything to celebrate at the end of the season. Luckily, we had two [trophies].” Boniface's journey at Leverkusen began last July when he made the switch from Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium. His transition into the Bundesliga was seamless, attributed to not only his individual skill set—characterized by speed, strength, and technical finesse—but also the camaraderie within the squad. The presence of several fellow African players played a pivotal role in helping him settle into his new environment. “I played against Leverkusen when I was in Belgium, so coming here was easy because I already had friends at the club,” he noted, highlighting the importance of unity and support that translated into on-field success. The spirit of togetherness among the squad has been a driving force behind their accomplishments. “We have five or six African players, but everyone in the squad, in general, is really close. I think that was one of the keys to our success. The bond is there, the friendship is there, we respect each other and try to help each other,” Boniface shared. This sense of belonging and shared purpose has forged a team capable of not just achieving but exceeding expectations. As Leverkusen gears up for the new season, Boniface is poised to build upon this remarkable foundation. With their undefeated domestic run now a part of club history, the striker's ambitions remain high. His focus is not only on personal development but also on contributing to further successes for the team, as they aim to solidify their place among Europe’s elite. For Boniface, this past year was not just about individual accolades or collective glory; it was a reset—a moment to redefine what is possible in both his career and for Bayer Leverkusen. With the momentum from last season firmly in their favor, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in his journey.