Victor Boniface

Victor Okoh Boniface (born 23 December 2000) is a Nigerian professional footballer widely recognized as one of the most promising strikers in contemporary African football. He is renowned for his combination of pace, strength, dribbling ability, and powerful finishing. He currently plays as a striker for Bundesliga club Werder Bremen, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, and represents the Nigeria national team.Early Life and Education Victor Okoh Boniface was born on 23 December 2000 in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. His early interest in football led him to pursue a youth career at Real Sapphire, a Nigerian football academy, where he developed his skills before moving abroad.Career Progression Boniface began his senior career with a loan spell at KTFF Süper Lig club Lefke TSK in January 2018. His talents were soon noticed by European scouts, leading to his move to Norway. * **Bodø/Glimt (2019–2022):** Boniface signed with Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt on 4 March 2019. During his time there, he made 48 domestic league appearances, scoring 13 goals, and was part of the squad that experienced domestic success. * **Union SG (2022–2023):** On 8 August 2022, he signed a four-year contract with the Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise. He played 37 league matches, scoring 9 goals, and also achieved significant success in continental competitions. * **Bayer Leverkusen (2023–):** His breakthrough performances earned him a major transfer to Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2023. He became an integral part of the team, known for his work ethic and goal-scoring prowess, making 42 league appearances and netting 22 goals during his time with the club. * **Loan to Werder Bremen (2025–):** For the 2025–26 season, Boniface was loaned to fellow Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, where he has made 11 appearances.International Career Boniface began representing the Nigeria national team in 2023. He was initially selected for the Nigerian squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast. However, a muscle injury sustained on 8 January 2024 forced him to withdraw from the tournament, and he was replaced by Terem Moffi. He has made 13 appearances for the national team as of June 2025.Major Achievements and Recognition Boniface has garnered significant individual recognition for his performance in European competitions and the Bundesliga: * **UEFA Europa League Top Scorer (2022–23):** Achieved during his time at Union SG. * **UEFA Europa League Team of the Season (2022–23):** Recognized for his standout performances in the competition. * **Bundesliga Team of the Season (2023–24):** Honored for his excellent debut season in the German top flight with Bayer Leverkusen. * **Bundesliga Rookie of the Season (2023–24).**Current Status As of the 2025–2026 season, Victor Boniface is playing for Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on loan from Bayer Leverkusen. He continues to be a key figure in the Nigerian national team setup, establishing himself as a formidable modern striker in European football.