- Bayer Leverkusen striker Boniface speaks about the pressure of defending the Bundesliga title
- He discusses the tough task of remaining invincible for another year
- Bayer Leverkusen starts the season with a Super Cup match against Stuttgart
Victor Boniface, who transferred to Bayer Leverkusen last summer from Union Saint-Gilloise, was a pivotal figure in the club’s remarkable Bundesliga title triumph, where they remained unbeaten throughout the campaign.
The Super Eagles striker’s season, however, was marred by an injury that sidelined him during Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations run in January and February. Although he made a return before the season’s end, Boniface struggled to recapture the scintillating form that had established him as one of the Bundesliga's standout talents earlier in the season.
We want to witness more celebration - Victor Boniface
Throughout the just-concluded pre-season games, Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface worked tirelessly to rediscover his sharpness.
The 23-year-old forward has shown glimpses of his old self, with manager Xabi Alonso acknowledging his hard-earned improvement in fitness. “I am pleased that he has used the time. After the injury, we did not have enough time for him to train. We needed him for the games. Now we see a Boni who is lighter and more athletic in the box,” Alonso remarked.
Boniface himself is aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
“Everyone will want to beat us because of what we achieved last season, and it’s not going to be easy,” the Nigerian forward mentioned.
Despite the tough road ahead, the striker remains determined to replicate the success of the previous season, where Bayer Leverkusen suffered just one defeat.
Reflecting on the past season, Boniface said on the Counterattack podcast,
“We enjoyed what happened, how we made history and were celebrated by the club. And everyone who witnessed it wants to witness more. I’m ready to give 100 per cent to achieve what we achieved last year, and I’m sure it’s the same for the rest of the players.”
As Bayer Leverkusen prepares to kick off their season with a Super Cup match against Stuttgart on August 17, followed by their Bundesliga opener against Borussia Mönchengladbach on August 23. Boniface’s comeback from injury will be a significant boost for the team going into the season, he will look to increase his goals and assists tally from last season’s 14 goals and 8 assists.
Leverkusen fans eagerly await his return to top form, with high hopes that he will lead the charge in their pursuit of back-to-back titles.
Lookman, Boniface, 6 other Nigerian footballers who won trophies, awards in 2023/2024 season
Previously, TheRadar reported that Ademola Lookman, Nigeria’s Super Eagles winger who joined the national team in January 2020, recently emerged as Atlanta’s B.C. Player of the Season for 2023/2024.
He has been receiving this award for two consecutive years, as he was awarded in this category in the 2022/2023 season.
