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As the countdown begins for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later this year, all eyes are on Victor Boniface, a striker whose explosive rise at Bayer Leverkusen has made him one of Nigeria’s brightest hopes, despite a rocky international start.
Victor Boniface has quickly become one of Africa’s most intriguing attacking prospects. The Bayer Leverkusen striker blends physical dominance with technical flair, and after an injury-hit season, he’s looking to make a statement at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Despite missing parts of the season due to injury, Boniface maintained a goal involvement rate of 0.8 per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga.
New tournament. Same goal ?
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Strengths
Aerial Threat: 3 headed goals last season, winning 2.75 aerial duels per 90 minutes.
Versatility: Can play as a central striker or drop deeper to link play.
Finishing: Clinical in front of goal, with a conversion rate of 20.5% and 8 Bundesliga goals from 39 shots.
Dribbling: Loves to take on defenders and averaging 3.38 dribbles per 90 minutes.
Key Passes: Creates chances with 0.98 key passes per game.
Style: Thrives in counter-attacks, enjoys layoffs, and rarely dives into tackles.
Weaknesses
• Offside Awareness: Caught offside 6 times in 19 Bundesliga matches.
• Defensive Contribution: Minimal tracking back or pressing.
• Dribble Success Rate: Only 39.5% of his dribbles are successful.
2024/25 Season Stats (Bayer Leverkusen & Nigeria)
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
| Bundesliga | 19 | 8 | 1 | 1011 |
| UEFA Champions League | 4 | 1 | 0 | 243 |
| DFB Pokal | 3 | 1 | 0 | 62 |
| DFL Super Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 | 41 |
| AFCON Qualifiers (Nigeria) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 299 |
| International Friendlies | 1 | 0 | 0 | 61 |
| Total | 34 | 11 | 1 | 1730 |
National Team: A Tale of Two Realities
Boniface’s international journey has been turbulent. Despite his club heroics, he is yet to score for Nigeria in 11 appearances. After debuting in September 2023, he’s struggled to replicate his club form for the Super Eagles. He has not been lucky with Injuries and his rhythm was disrupted after a muscular setback ruled him out of AFCON 2023.
With a new coach in Eric Chelle and Nigeria desperate to revive their World Cup qualification hopes, Boniface could be the X-factor they need.
After being left off the CAF Player of the Year nominee list, he said: “Of course based on what I did last season, I should be on the list, but I’m not stressing over it.”
This shows a mix of confidence and humility. He knows his worth but isn’t letting it distract him from the bigger picture.
While not a direct quote, Boniface has consistently shown support for his teammates, especially Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, calling Lookman his pick for the CAF award. That camaraderie could be key for Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.
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Expectations for AFCON 2025
Goals: Break his international duck and become Nigeria’s focal point up front
Partnerships: Link up with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman for a lethal attacking trio
Legacy: Cement his place as a national hero, not just a Bundesliga sensation
Victor Boniface has already named Morocco, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Mali as key contenders, but make no mistake, Boniface wants Nigeria to be the team to beat.
He goes into the new season with unfinished business. His club form is undeniable, his personality magnetic, and his potential limitless. If he can channel his club form into national glory, Nigeria’s AFCON dreams may just rest on his broad shoulders.
