Saudi move too soon – Ex-Nigerian star cautions Victor Boniface on transfer talk

Former Nigerian youth international Sambo Choji has advised Bayer Leverkusen forward, Victor Boniface, to remain in Europe to secure his long-term future with the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Boniface was the subject of interest from Al Nassr during the January transfer window, but a proposed €60–70 million deal collapsed after the Saudi Pro League side opted to pursue Aston Villa's Jhon Durán instead.

Despite the breakdown of that deal, fresh reports have emerged suggesting that Al Nassr could reignite their pursuit of the Nigerian attacker this summer.

However, neither Boniface nor his representatives have commented publicly on the links. Meanwhile, Choji, who is a member of Nigeria’s historic 1993 FIFA U17 World Cup-winning squad, has cautioned the striker against making an early move to the Middle East.

“I think Victor Boniface is too young to go to Al Nassr now because if you look at it, if he wants to have a chance in the national team, then he should stay in Europe,” said Choji told Footy Africa.

The former Saarbrücken and Eintracht Braunschweig striker believes staying in Europe—particularly in the Bundesliga—is key to Boniface’s development.

“We have a lot of attackers doing well in Europe so he has to stay in Germany to prove himself. It is unfortunate he had a lot of injuries last season, ups and downs which is normal, but for someone like him, he can still prove himself in Europe and in Germany,” he said.

“My honest advice for him is to stay. He is young and strong. If he has a good preseason, his story is going to change and he will be a better player than previous seasons. I hope he stays. He is a very young and good player and has a lot to show in the Bundesliga. He will be a better player if he stays in Germany as I feel the Bundesliga fits him very well,” Choji concluded.

Boniface, who scored 14 goals in all competitions last season despite struggling with injuries, remains a key figure in Bayer Leverkusen’s attack.

With several European clubs also monitoring his situation, this summer could be decisive for the Nigerian forward’s next career move, despite a report of a contract renewal at Bayer Leverkusen.