How Victor Boniface’s potential caught my attention — Akure-based youth coach

Victor Boniface youth coach Blessing Johnson says the Bayer Leverkusen striker was an evident prodigy in his formative years.

Johnson, who manages a football academy in Akure in South-Western Nigeria, said he met Boniface during a secondary school inter-class competition, and the striker’s resilience and perseverance singled him out amongst other competitors.

“I first met Victor at his secondary school. He was in JSS 1 at T Chris School, Akure then. He was discovered at the inter-class football competition we organised to scout for new players. I was struck by his talent and skills,” the youth coach told Punch.

“They were incredibly detailed and imaginative. I asked him about them and he told me that he dreamed of being a famous footballer one day. I could see the passion and determination in his eyes, despite his humble beginnings. There was a fire within him, a desire to create and share his talent with the world. I knew then that he had the potential to achieve greatness. What stood out to me about Victor was not just his talent, but his resilience and perseverance.”

A few weeks ago when Boniface won the German Bundesliga in his debut season at Bayer Leverkusen, Johnson was there to celebrate the moment with his academy graduate.

Boniface scored 21 goals and registered 10 assists in 34 appearances for Leverkusen as they completed a domestic double. In the absence of unfit Victor Osimhen, the 23-year-old is expected to lead the Super Eagles attack when they lock horns against South Africa and the Benin Republic in June.