5 key facts to know about Bayer Leverkusen’s Nigerian sensation Victor Boniface

Barely one month into the 2033/24 season, Nigerian sensation, Victor Okoh Boniface has sent the Bundesliga agog with his impeccable start to his career at the German Bundesliga.

Having just joined Bayer Leverkusen on a 5-year contract during the last summer transfer window, Boniface has registered the most goal involvement (6) in the German Bundesliga, having 4 goals and 2 assists to his name in just 2 matches.

Above his fire form so far, SixSports delve into 5 key facts that shed light on the remarkable journey and talents of Victor Boniface, from his early beginnings to his promising future in the round leather game.

5 Must-Know Facts About the Inevitable Boniface

• He broke a 15-year hat-trick drought at Bodo Glimt

Back on July 6 2022, Boniface scored a hat-trick for Bodo in a 3-0 win against Klaksvik in the UEFA Champions League preliminaries, making him the first player to score a hattrick for a Norwegian club since 2007.

• Boniface tore his ACL twice already in his young career

The Nigerian international has endured a lengthy and challenging struggle with injuries, having suffered two ACL tears earlier in his career, all before reaching the age of 22.

• He almost quit football due to depression

The 22-year-old player came close to quitting football due to depression that resulted from his injury issues, as he candidly shared during an interview with Nigerian journalist Ojora Babatunde.

“I lost interest in football, I forgot about my diets, I began to eat everything, I started living a normal life, I just wanted to be happy, I started partying and drinking. I don’t drink normally, but I started it because I was depressed,” Boniface said back in February 2023.

• He was the joint-top scorer in the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League alongside Marcus Rashford

Boniface was the joint-top scorer in the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League alongside Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, with both netting six goals in the competition.

Additionally, he earned a well-deserved spot in the competition’s official Team of the Season for his outstanding performance.

• He has matched both Erling Haaland and Paco Alcacer’s records

Boniface has joined Erling Haaland and Paco Alcacer as the only players to record six-goal contributions in their first three Bundesliga matches. Alcacer achieved this in 2018, and Haaland exceeded it with seven goals in his first three games after joining Dortmund from RB Salzburg in 2020.

Victor Boniface’s antecedents and explosive start to his career in the Bundesliga are a testament to the fact that he’s poised for more groundbreaking achievements in his career. What are your expectations for the 22-year-old this season?