“Playing for Nigeria, the biggest dream for me” – Germany-based star with 62 career goals

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has revealed that none of his dreams is bigger than playing for the three-time African champions Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

After an excellent start to life in Germany, Boniface made his Super Eagles debut under Jose Peseiro in September 2023 during an AFCON qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe.

The 23-year-old forward came on as a second-half substitute and supplied the assist to Nigeria's last goal as the Super Eagles powered to a 6-0 victory.

Asked how he felt when making his international bow for Nigeria, Boniface told the official Bundesliga website:

“For me, it is a dream to represent a country like Nigeria.

“We have almost 300 million people. To be part of like 20 or 30 players representing the country is the biggest dream for me because watching people playing and representing the country when I was I kid – to be part of the national them was a dream for me. I was really happy to be a part of it.”

Five years after arriving in Europe, Boniface has registered an impressive 62 goals and 30 assists in 152 club appearances for three clubs – Bodø/Glimt, Union SG, and Bayer Leverkusen.

Last term, he was named the winner of the Rookie of the Year award in the Bundesliga and was included in the league's Team of the Season.

Responding to a question on whether he sees himself on the same level as top goalscorers Harry Kane and Serhou Guirassy following his exploits, Boniface said:

“I can’t say for any of them. I can say they are top, top players. Top strikers.

“Harry Kane has been doing this for so many years, same as Guirassy. I learned a lot from these guys because I watched a lot of them before, but now I am focusing on myself. I don’t think…

“Many people might be thinking I might be on the same level, but I am focusing on how to improve and how to help my team. I don’t really think about me competing with anybody. I am just trying to go on the pitch, have fun, win games and help my team. That is what I focus on.”

Boniface recently landed in trouble after he was found guilty of inappropriate conduct during Bayer Leverkusen's Super Cup win over VfB Stuttgart.

The forward has been handed a one-match ban as well as a €25,000 fine but he will be available for selection as Bayer Leverkusen trade tackles with Bor. M'gladbach in the first league game of the season on Friday, August 23.