Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has spoken candidly about his failed transfer to AC Milan, his unexpected departure from Bayer Leverkusen, and the reactions to his social media posts, while expressing a strong attachment to life in Germany.
The Nigerian forward joined Werder Bremen on loan during the summer after his proposed move to AC Milan collapsed due to a failed medical. Despite the disappointment, Boniface said he was unbothered by the development.
“When the move to Milan failed, I was on TikTok with my friends,” he said at a Bundesliga media roundtable. “A lot of things are happening behind the scenes that you guys don’t know about. And to tell you the truth, I love playing in Germany. I love Germany.”
Boniface had played a key role in helping Leverkusen win their first-ever Bundesliga title in the unbeaten 2023/24 season under Xabi Alonso. However, following the arrival of new manager Erik ten Hag, he was considered surplus to requirements behind Patrik Schick and Christian Kofane, prompting his exit.
“I missed about 16 to 20 games and still scored eight goals. I was the second-highest scorer in Leverkusen. But they said it was a bad season I’m still trying to understand that,” Boniface said in disbelief.
Ten Hag was eventually sacked just a few games into the new season. Boniface has since settled into life at Bremen, even though he is yet to score. He remains optimistic, saying his contribution to the team is improving with time.
“My dream when I was young was to come to Europe, even if I earned 300 euros and played football. Being at this level today, I am grateful to God. I came from struggle, I’ve had injuries that end careers, but I’m really grateful,” he said.
The striker has also faced criticism in the German media for his social media activity, which has been described as “cryptic” by some outlets. One of his most talked-about posts — later deleted — read: “If you waste your money on too many women, you won’t achieve anything in life. Find one or two women and settle down. Three women at most, or if you’re going through a lot, four are okay too.”
Boniface dismissed the controversy, insisting that his posts are harmless and meant to be humorous.
“My caption doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t affect anybody. If I come online and insult somebody, that’s something different,” he explained. “I make a funny post and I leave. If the media makes it into something bigger, that’s on them. They said when I stopped posting that I must be going through things. But when I post, they still complain. I can’t make everybody happy.”
At Bremen, Boniface has found comfort among familiar faces, with fellow Nigerians Felix Agu, Justin Njinmah, and Swiss international Isaac Osas Schmidt, who shares Edo heritage with him.
“They are top professionals,” he said. “I love Germany, trust me. I had good offers before coming to Bremen, even from England, but I wanted to stay in Germany. It’s been good, and I hope to give the fans what they’ve been waiting for.”
The striker, who won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award less than two years ago, remains hopeful that he can rediscover his top form and deliver for the Bremen fans who believe in his talent.
