“I hope to go to Leverkusen soon” – Super Eagles and Antwerp star Ejuke reveals bond with Boniface

The two Nigerian forwards are enjoying exciting moments in Europe after making their breakthroughs in Norway

Royal Antwerp winger Chidera Ejuke has talked up his friendship with Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, Soccernet.ng reports.

Former Heerenveen dazzler Ejuke revealed that he struck up a relationship with Boniface while playing academy football in Nigeria before both of them met again at Norwegian side Valerenga.

After failing a trial at Liverpool, Ejuke’s first stop in Europe after leaving Gombe United was at Valerenga, where he nurtured his talents between 2017 and 2019.

During that period, Real Sapphire academy product Boniface arrived on trial at Valerenga, but he failed to nail down a contract with the Oslo-based club.

Boniface was later snapped up in 2019 by another Norwegian club, Bodø/Glimt, from where he joined Union Saint-Gilloise in 2022.

The 22-year-old spent only one season with the Belgian side before his celebrated move to German Bundesliga campaigners Bayer Leverkusen this summer materialise.

Meanwhile, Ejuke’s football career after he left Norway took him to the Netherlands, then Russia, Germany, and now to Belgium, where he defends the colours of champions Antwerp.

The two friends have kept in touch throughout their times apart, with Boniface returning to Belgium a few months ago to check up on Ejuke at Antwerp’s training ground.

Ejuke has also promised to return the favour and visit Boniface in Leverkusen in the coming days. 

“He was there for me, yes,” says Ejuke, as per Gva, when talking about Boniface’s presence inside the Antwerp training complex.

“We have been friends for a long time. We used to live very far away from each other, but we met at youth tournaments and started talking.”

Recalling how they were close to becoming teammates at Valerenga, Ejuke said:

“He was on probation but was not allowed to stay. Fortunately, he ended up at another Norwegian club (Bødo/Glimt, ed.), and we were able to meet up regularly. We still do that now; I hope to be able to go to Leverkusen soon.”

While Ejuke has needed time to settle in Belgium, Boniface has taken to German football like an Eskimo in Iceland.

The Super Eagles star has been named the winner of the first four Bundesliga Rookie Player of the Month awards. He is a crucial member of a Bayer Leverkusen side that is undefeated in 23 games across all competitions this season.

This post was last modified on December 17, 2023 1:57 pm

Imhons Erons

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

Osimhen: Napoli star drops transfer hint as Man United and Chelsea prepare €75 million bid

Napoli-owned forward Victor Osimhen has sparked transfer speculation with a new comment about his future,… Read More

8 hours ago

Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: CHAN Eagles grab first-leg advantage in Accra against Black Galaxies

Nigeria forced Ghana to a goalless draw in the first leg of the qualifying playoff… Read More

9 hours ago

What Hakimi’s mother said after her son lost the CAF POTY Award to Lookman

Achraf Hakimi's mother, Saida Mouh, has revealed her son has moved on from the disappointment… Read More

9 hours ago

“I see similarities with Leicester” – Ex-Barcelona striker backs Ola Aina’s Nott’m Forest to win EPL title

Former Barcelona and England striker, Gary Lineker, has backed Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina's Nottingham… Read More

10 hours ago

Two Premier League clubs ready to meet Napoli’s €75m asking price for Victor Osimhen

Two English Premier League sides, Manchester United and Chelsea, are prepared to meet Napoli's €75m… Read More

11 hours ago

Tolu Arokodare surpasses Stephen Keshi’s mark in Belgium as Genk humble Anderlecht

Tolu Arokodare delivered a man-of-the-match performance to inspire KRC Genk to a convincing 2-0 win… Read More

11 hours ago