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Victor Boniface: From playing in the streets of Akure to Bundesliga champion

Last Sunday, Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface made history with his German Bundesliga club, Bayer Leverkusen, when they defeated Werder Bremen 5 – 0 to be crowned the new champions of Germany. The win meant that Bayer Leverkusen won the Bundesliga for the first time with 5 games to spare.

More significantly, Coach Xabi Alonso’s side became the first German club to go 43 games unbeaten. Alonso’s team also displaced perennial champions, Bayern Munich from their Olympian heights in startling fashion.

In all this, Nigeria international, Victor Boniface has been key to coach Alonso’s plans. Despite the disruptive injury spells that have sometimes put him on the sidelines, the Nigerian forward has scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists in 25 games across all competitions.

Boniface who scored the opener before registering an assist in the same game has been a revelation in his debut season in Germany and has now celebrated Leverkusen’s remarkable triumph by getting himself custom-made Diamond chains.

As part of the celebrations that have followed the historic feat in Germany, the 23-year-old Super Eagles striker recruited the services of prominent jeweller, Buchi Obasi, the man behind Osimhen’s championship ring and chains after he led Napoli to the Scudetto last season. One of the large pendants features an encrusted Diamond inscription that reads “Dreams Are For Real” with a throwback picture of his late mother and his siblings.

The other one was created solely as tribute to his late mother, also featuring an encrusted Diamond inscription that reads “Keep Resting Mama.”

The value of both pieces have been estimated to be in the region of ¦ 10,000,000,

After his mother passed away last year, Boniface previously revealed that he grew up with his grand-parents and sometime last year, flew out his grandma to watch him play in the Bundesliga.

Still in celebratory mood, Boniface took a walk down memory lane, as he shared a photo from his early days playing football. In the post which he made on X, Boniface posted a picture captured from his childhood with the phrase “If you like give up”.

Boniface’s post gives fans a glimpse of his humble beginnings and how far he has come; from playing street soccer in Akure, to becoming a Bundesliga champion in his first year in Germany.

The 23-year-old’s post serves as an inspiration to others to keep pushing and not give up on their dreams.

In a brief interview granted after the title-deciding match, Boniface acknowledged his family and fans in Akure, and also hinted at a celebration saying “we go meet, we go shut down everywhere when I come”.

The Nigerian striker was also awarded with an honorary citizenship by the city of Leverkusen alongside his Bayer Leverkusen teammates, including fellow Nigerian football star Nathan Tella.

Bodø/Glimt

Victor Okoh Boniface who started with Lagos-based football academy, Real Saphphire began his journey to prominence when in 2019 he signed for a remote Norwegian side, Bodø/Glimt.

He suffered a ligament injury only two weeks after signing for Glimt, which was said to have kept him on the sidelines for the duration of the 2019 season. He was selected to the Nigeria U-20 squad to play the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, but had to withdraw from the squad due to injury. In September 2019 he nonetheless made his league debut for the club.

Union SG

In 2022, Boniface signed a four-year contract with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. Union reached the quarter-finals of the 2022–23 Europa League. The Nigerian youngster scored six goals in the competition, including a brace against Union Berlin in the round of 16, finishing as the competition’s joint top scorer along with Marcus Rashford.

Bayer Leverkusen

In 2023, Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen snapped him up on a 5-year contract that will last until 2028. He made his Bundesliga debut on 19 August, in a 3–2 home victory over RB Leipzig. The following week, he scored his first Bundesliga goals by netting a brace at the Borussia Park in a 3–0 away derby win against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Hard work, high productivity and discipline attracted national team coach Jose Peseiro to the young Nigerian who was painting German Bundesliga red with goals. Boniface made his debut for the Nigeria senior team on 10 September 2023, coming on in the 64th minute for Taiwo Awoniyi. He provided an assist in that match to Samuel Chukwueze. He was named in the Nigerian squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast. However, he was forced to withdraw from the AFCON-bound national team when he sustained a muscle injury. He was replaced by Terem Moffi.

Style of play

Boniface is known for his distinctive style of play. His playing characteristics include strengths in dribbling, finishing, and headed attempts, while his weaknesses lie in offside awareness, holding onto the ball, and defensive contribution.

He is described as a player who likes to dribble, likes to do layoffs, and likes to play long balls. These attributes contribute to his effectiveness as a forward on the field.

His background, including learning to play football in a military barracks in Nigeria, adds an interesting dimension to his journey as a footballer.

Overall, Victor Boniface’s style of play is characterized by his technical abilities, goal-scoring prowess, and unique playing preferences, making him a player to watch in the world of football.

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Local News

William Troost-Ekong Bows Out: An Emotional Farewell That Shakes Up The Super Eagles Camp

William Troost-Ekong Bows Out In Emotional Goodbye

Super Eagles fans woke up to unexpected news as captain William Troost-Ekong officially announced his retirement from international football. Despite being listed in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025, the 2023 AFCON MVP revealed via a heartfelt video on X (formerly Twitter) that his journey with Nigeria had reached its final chapter.

The announcement came with a touching message:
“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”

With 83 caps in 10 years, Ekong leaves behind a legacy of leadership, consistency, and unmatched patriotism. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final and became one of the most respected voices in the national team.

Why Now? A Transition Already In Motion

In recent months, Troost-Ekong’s role had gradually shifted. The impressive rise of 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick pushed him out of the starting XI, reducing the captain to a bench role. One of the most emotional revelations was his admission that he was supposed to take a penalty in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier shootout against DR Congo—but being benched meant he couldn’t step up.

Still, Ekong showed class:
“I wasn’t frustrated; I just wanted to win this game… My role is to support the team as much as possible, both on and off the pitch.”

He had also hinted earlier this year that AFCON 2025 might be his final tournament, showing that this transition wasn’t entirely sudden—it was coming.

Ndidi Tipped To Take The Captain’s Armband

The big question now is: who leads the Super Eagles?
Former coach Sunday Oliseh believes the answer is simple—Wilfred Ndidi.

Ndidi has captained the team in recent matches and commands full respect in the squad. According to Oliseh:
“Nobody doubts the respect the players have for Ndidi. And he’s a player that plays every game.”

With AFCON 2025 approaching quickly, stability is crucial—and Ndidi might be the perfect bridge into Nigeria’s next era.

A Legacy Forever Etched In Nigerian Football

Troost-Ekong leaves as a true patriot: admired, respected, and loved. His leadership transcended the pitch—he was the voice of calm, the anchor in tough moments, and the embodiment of commitment.

For the Super Eagles, a new chapter begins.
But for fans, William Troost-Ekong will always remain a Super Eagle—forever.

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Local News

Ademola Lookman’s Latest Goal Shows Why Atalanta Must Stop Underrating The Nigerian Star

Ademola Lookman is reminding Atalanta—and the entire Serie A—why he should never be underestimated again. The Super Eagles forward delivered another decisive performance, scoring in Atalanta’s crucial 2-0 win over Fiorentina to snap an eight-game winless run.

This latest strike marks his second goal in two matches, further proving that the recently dethroned African Player of the Year is hitting top form again under new coach Raffaele Palladino ahead of AFCON 2025.

Match Summary

Fiorentina started brightly, forcing Marco Carnesecchi into a dramatic double save inside the opening five minutes. David De Gea responded moments later with a superb fingertip stop to deny Charles De Ketelaere.

Atalanta eventually broke through late in the first half when Odilon Kossounou’s whipped effort found the net to make it 1-0.

Shortly after the restart, Lookman doubled the lead. A corner routine turned chaotic, but the Nigerian reacted fastest, smashing home the second goal and sealing the contest.

The win moved Atalanta up to 11th, easing relegation concerns, while Fiorentina slipped further into the danger zone under Paolo Vanoli.

Nigerian Fans Demand Respect

Back in Nigeria, social media exploded. Many fans believe Atalanta have not treated Lookman with the respect he deserves—especially after the winger openly expressed frustration during the summer while pushing for a move.

One fan wrote, “Release our boy by January transfer. We don’t care about Atalanta anymore.”
Another added, “Hopefully you idiots won’t disrespect him anymore.”

The criticism kept coming, with some calling the relationship “toxic,” while others demanded a public apology. Transfer chatter resurfaced too, with fans urging Galatasaray to make a move for him.

But Lookman has let his football do the talking. His recent form—including a Champions League goal and an assist against Eintracht Frankfurt—has silenced doubts around Bergamo.

.@Alookman_ is in the game #AtalantaFiorentina #GoAtalantaGo ⚫ pic.twitter.com/V1CD4chkYv

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) November 30, 2025

AFCON 2025 Boost For Nigeria

Coach Palladino has publicly praised Lookman, calling him an “essential asset” for Atalanta’s attack. His pace, finishing, and consistency make him just as vital for Nigeria.

With Eric Chelle preparing his AFCON squad, Lookman’s resurgence—two goals in two games after the summer’s Inter Milan saga—sets him up as one of the Super Eagles’ key weapons heading into the tournament.

Once again, Ademola Lookman is proving exactly who he is: a star who demands respect.

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Uncategorized

Guinness Match Day Regular Lifts Fans’ Energy Across Five Nigerian Cities

Fans enjoying Guinness Match Day with football viewing and activities across Nigerian cities

Guinness Brings Fans Together Across Nigeria

The Guinness Match Day experience delivered high energy and excitement across five Nigerian cities as football fans gathered to watch games, react live, and enjoy ice-cold Guinness. From kickoff to the final whistle, fans were treated to thrilling football action alongside interactive activities and prizes.

Fans’ Favorite Activities

Guests enjoyed:

One free Guinness for every two bottles purchased.
The Predict and Win game, with winners taking home branded jerseys and VIP Guinness cards.
Fast-paced commentary and reward drops from Match Day Hosts.
Online engagement via Instagram Stories, where digital fans had the chance to win six-packs of Guinness cans.

The atmosphere combined football, social connection, and rewards, making each city’s event unforgettable.

Energy Across The Cities

Lagos: Loud reactions and an electric vibe in the crowd.
Ibadan: Steady participation and football discussions.
Jos: Active engagement during Predict and Win activities.
Owerri: Strong community spirit and fan interaction.
Enugu: Lively viewing session to close the week of celebrations.

Each city reflected Guinness’s commitment to building football communities across Nigeria.

What’s Next for Guinness Match Day

Guinness is continuing to strengthen its bond with Nigerian football fans. The next Match Day viewing experience will take place on November 30 in:

Owerri: Landmark Events Center
Abuja: Papiee’s Meatro

Entry is free, but fans are required to register at www.GuinnessMatchDay.com to secure participation. Stay updated via @Guinness_Africa on Instagram for news and surprises.

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