“It was a mistake not signing him” – Standard Liege coach dreads facing Nigerian wonderkid

The young forward has been one of Nigeria’s most prolific attackers in Europe in 2022

Standard Liege manager Ronny Deila has expressed his admiration for Union Saint-Gilloise attacker Victor Boniface.

Boniface will be the player to watch when Union SG trade tackles with Standard Liege on Sunday afternoon.

The Nigerian forward has enjoyed an incredible start to life in Belgium after joining Union SG from Bodo/Glimt for a club record of two million euros.

Boniface has struck six goals and created three assists in all competitions for Les Unionistes.

The 21-year-old is, however, no stranger to Standard Liege manager Ronny Deila.

Deila was head coach of Valerenga between 2017 and 2020, during which time a Nigeria-based Boniface came for trials at the club.

The 47-year-old tactician still regrets not offering the youngster a contract at the time. Deila admits the Nigerian striker could be a nightmare for his side on Sunday.

“I had Victor Boniface on trial at Valerenga, but I had three attackers at that time,” Deila laments, as per Walfoot.

“It was a mistake not to offer him a contract and sign him. He then joined Bodo/Glimt.

“He is a very good player who is physically solid and skilful in front of the opposing goals. I am impressed with what he has already achieved in his career, and he is still young. We will have to watch him well.”

Boniface signed his first professional contract with Bodo/Glimt in 2019 after graduating from the Nigerian football academy, Real Sapphire.

He went on to win two Eliteserien titles with the Norwegian side before teaming up with Union SG on a four-year contract in August.