From 30 naira football nights to UCL debut – Says Victor Boniface after Leverkusen win

Super Eagles forward, Victor Boniface, reflected on his incredible journey after making his UEFA Champions League debut for Bayer Leverkusen, Soccernet.ng reports.

Boniface recounted his early days in Akure, where he paid just 30 naira to watch Champions League matches at the 323 Army Barracks.

Now, years later, he has achieved his dream by stepping onto the pitch as a player in Europe’s most prestigious tournament for the German side.

In Nigeria, it’s common for football fans to flock to viewing centres, paying to witness their favourite teams compete on the grand stage of the Champions League.

Boniface, once one of those fans, has come full circle—from paying to watch the action to being in the thick of it for Bayer Leverkusen.

“From paying 30 naira to watch Champions League football at night back then at 323 Army Barracks, Akure, to playing my first Champions League game. Proud of this moment,” Boniface wrote on social media, expressing his pride.

Bayer Leverkusen continued their stellar form with a dominant 4-0 victory over Feyenoord at Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam. Although the Nigerian international didn’t find the back of the net on his debut, his influence on the game was evident as he posed a constant threat to Feyenoord’s defence.

Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, Boniface has flourished and will aim to maintain his strong performances as Leverkusen continue their quest for Champions League glory.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

CHAN 2024: Nigeria to tackle Senegal, Congo, Sudan – Who can survive Group D’s battle?

Super Eagles B team have been slated to tackle defending champions Senegal, Congo, and Sudan… Read More

9 hours ago

Official: Philip Otele joins FC Basel from UAE club Al Wahda

Swiss Super League side FC Basel have announced the signing of Nigerian forward Philip Otele… Read More

9 hours ago

Confirmed – CHAN 2024: Nigeria drawn with champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo in Group D

Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles have been drawn into Group D of the much-anticipated 2024 African… Read More

11 hours ago

“I wasn’t trying to score” – Iwobi breaks silence on brace following Fulham’s 3-2 loss to West Ham United

Super Eagles and Fulham attacking midfielder, Alex Chuka Iwobi, was left disappointed despite scoring a… Read More

14 hours ago

Copa del Rey: What Valencia boss said after Sadiq Umar’s performance vs Ourense

Valencia head coach, Carlos Corberan, praised Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar after the Nigerian found… Read More

15 hours ago