News
Boniface Prefers Germany, Spain Over Premier League
Super Eagles and Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker, Victor Okoh Boniface, has revealed why he wouldn’t fancy a move to the English Premier League, according to Soccernet.ng.
The 24-year-old had a brilliant debut season at the Bay Arena, but his second season was a little less so, largely due to the injury problems he suffered.
During the winter transfer window, Al-Nassr were interested in Boniface, but they signed Colombian forward, Jhon Duran instead.
The former Union Saint-Gilloise man has been linked with an exit from Die Werkself, with Newcastle United and AC Milan interested.
The one-time Bundesliga winner has always been clear that he prefers a move to La Liga over England, stating a preference for the style of football in Spain.
“I don’t really like the Premier League. It’s not like if I have the opportunity to go, I won’t take it,” the 2024 UEFA Europa League finalist said on The Culture League podcast alongside Frank Onyeka.
“If I’m going to make that move, it has to be to a certain type of team. “Before I agree to a transfer or join a club, I always look at the type of football they play.
“Will it suit me? Is it a team with too much pressure? because some players can’t perform well under pressure.
“So before I moved to Leverkusen, I had a great season in Belgium. There were offers from England, good money, but I just didn’t want to join that kind of team.
“If you put me in a possession-based side, I’ll give you everything. I can go to a club and be the standout player, but we might lose a game, and everyone points fingers at me.
“From the grassroots level, that’s how I’ve always played. If I’m on the pitch, I bring everyone along with me,” the Super Eagles star concluded.
Boniface is now set for his third season in Germany, this time under Erik Ten Hag, after Xabi Alonso moved to Spain to join Real Madrid.
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World Cup 202613 hours ago**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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