Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has opened up about a key career decision he made following the tragic death of his mother, Soccernet.ng reports.
Boniface has established himself as one of the finest strikers to emerge from Nigeria over the last five years.
Before being sidelined by recent injuries, he was one of the most clinical forwards in Germany, playing a crucial role in steering Bayer Leverkusen to their historic first Bundesliga title.
Away from his brilliance on the pitch, the 25-year-old is deeply family-oriented. During his debut season at Leverkusen, he even flew his grandmother to Germany to meet his teammates.
He also usually honors his late mother in interviews and on social media, where he maintains an active presence and regularly shares pictures of her as a tribute.
However, the loss of his mother dealt a severe blow to the striker. Boniface previously revealed that the tragedy nearly drove him to quit football entirely in 2019. That defining moment left a lasting mark on him, and has shaped both his personal life and career choices.
The Story Behind His Shirt Numbers
Vctor Boniface’s mother passed away on August 22, 2019—and that date continues to influence his career.
In a recent interview with a social media personality, Boniface was asked about the inspiration behind his jersey numbers over the last few seasons. He revealed that his choices have always been a tribute to his mother.
Because his mother passed away on the 22nd, Boniface chose to wear the number 22 shirt during his first few seasons.
Later, when he moved to Werder Bremen and discovered that the number 22 was already taken, he decided to double it, opting for number 44 instead. To the Nigerian striker, keeping these numbers is a way to keep her memory alive on the pitch.
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Victor Boniface's Career at a Crossroads
Despite his undeniable talent, Victor Boniface is at a critical period in his career, following a challenging loan spell at Werder Bremen.
Though he initially joined the club Bayer Leverkusen and arrived with high expectations, consistent injuries hampered his progress. Boniface had to sit out most of the campaign, and that has caused a significant decline in his value.
This upcoming summer transfer window will be pivotal for the Super Eagles star. As he returns to Bayer Leverkusen with just two years remaining on his contract, major question marks linger over his physical fitness and whether he can compete at the highest level next season.
There is the possibility that Leverkusen might look to move him on. But if he can prove his fitness, he might just become a key player for them again next season.
Hence, this summer and the upcoming season could definitely decide the trajectory of his career.
