Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface highlighted Xabi Alonso’s unique advantage as a coach during training sessions.
“Picture yourself training while your coach is outperforming you,” Boniface explained to AFP. “That motivates you to raise your level.”
“Having him actively participate in training sessions gives us an extra push,” Boniface added, acknowledging Alonso’s vast experience as a player who “has achieved success at every level in football.”
“At times, he shares anecdotes about players he once played alongside who had similar abilities to mine. He focuses on enhancing my skills in areas where I’m weakest.”
Leverkusen will welcome third-placed Stuttgart on Saturday, aware that they are just four games away from achieving an unprecedented feat in Bundesliga history: completing a season undefeated.
Their journey to the German Cup final, where they will encounter second-division Kaiserslautern, and the Europa League semi-finals, where they are set to face Roma, has propelled them to a record-breaking 45-game unbeaten streak in all competitions this season.
“I have a fondness for penalties.”
Boniface, 23, hailing from the southern Nigerian city of Akure, shared with AFP his lifelong passion for football.
Earlier this month, he confidently converted a penalty to kickstart the scoring in Leverkusen’s resounding 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen at home, a win that clinched the Bundesliga title for the first time in the club’s 120-year history.
Leverkusen had previously never secured a league title, with their history marred by multiple instances of finishing as runners-up, often experiencing defeat in crucial moments and earning the unflattering nickname ‘Neverkusen.’ However, Boniface revealed that he felt no pressure when stepping up to take the penalty.
“Not at all. Honestly, I didn’t sense any pressure. We’re footballers. Moments like these — I assumed the responsibility to support the team. That’s why I’m here. I have a passion for penalties.”
The pressure of taking a penalty is minor compared to the challenges Boniface has faced in his early career.
At the age of 18, he relocated from Nigeria to Norway and joined Bodo/Glimt.
Although he contributed to the club winning their inaugural Norwegian title in 2020, he suffered two ACL tears and admitted contemplating quitting football.
Following a fruitful period with Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, he made the switch to Leverkusen last July. He earned his first call-up to the Super Eagles earlier this season, a moment he described as “a dream come true.”
He netted 16 goals in his initial 23 matches but encountered another injury setback while gearing up for the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria. This sidelined him for four months, including Nigeria’s journey to the final, where they were defeated by host Ivory Coast.
“It was incredibly tough dealing with the injury. I knew I would miss the AFCON and numerous games for Leverkusen,” he revealed. “During that period, it was a challenging time for me, but I found solace in my teammates and the supportive environment provided by the club.”
“It’s challenging, but at the same time, it’s just part of football. There are highs and lows—it’s all about how you handle it.”
“With this team, I believe we can achieve something significant.”
Boniface has been widely touted for success, and he already possesses one crucial element: a distinctive celebration.
“To be honest, it’s not that significant,” Boniface remarked about his confident, finger-pointing celebration.
After scoring a crucial equalizer in Belgium, he found himself being chased by a teammate, and the striker “was just trying to do something really amusing.”
“I saw the footage and thought—this is amusing. It’s a light-hearted celebration.”
Boniface was spotted celebrating with his teammates late into the night after securing the title, but he also took a moment to address the thousands of fans gathered on the stadium grass, emphasizing that the season was far from over.
“Sometimes it’s challenging to switch out of party mode,” Boniface acknowledged, conceding that “some of the guys who indulged in drinking might have had a rough day at training the following day.”
Confidently, Boniface asserted, “With this team, we have the potential to accomplish something significant,” yet he declined to overlook the upcoming challenge.
“At the moment, Roma isn’t a topic of discussion in the dressing room. Our focus is solely on Saturday’s game. After the Stuttgart match, we can shift our attention to Roma.”
Despite admitting to being a childhood Arsenal supporter, Boniface stated that he isn’t thinking about the long term. “Currently, my sole focus is on Leverkusen and ensuring I’m prepared to contribute to the club’s continued success.”
Nevertheless, he eagerly anticipates participating in the Champions League with Leverkusen, stating, “It will undoubtedly be one of the proudest moments for me.”
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