Odemwingie Praises Boniface for Staying in Europe, Says Move to Saudi Would Have Been a Mistake
Former Super Eagles striker Peter Odemwingie has said he is happy that Victor Boniface did not leave Bayer Leverkusen for Saudi Arabia in January, insisting the young forward belongs at the top level of European football.
Earlier this year, Boniface was close to joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr after Anderson Talisca left the Saudi club for Fenerbahçe. But the deal fell through, with Al Nassr choosing Colombian striker Jhon Durán instead.
Speaking in a report by Africafoot, Odemwingie expressed relief that Boniface stayed in Germany and avoided an early move away from elite football.
“Honestly, I saw his possible departure for Saudi Arabia last January as a waste,” Odemwingie said. “Fortunately, it didn’t happen, and I think it’s a good thing for his career. Victor is a player of inestimable talent.”
Boniface, 24, has had an excellent season under manager Xabi Alonso, playing a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win and helping the club reach the UEFA Europa League final.
Odemwingie believes that staying in Europe has given Boniface the perfect platform to grow and prove himself against top opposition. He expects the Nigerian striker to receive major offers from top European clubs in the next transfer window.
“I’m convinced that by the next transfer window, he’ll have several offers from big European teams, and he’ll have to take on this challenge,” he said. “He has the profile, for example, to make his mark in England or Spain. He’s a young striker who can still improve on certain details of his game, and I think he would be a great addition to his next club.”
So far this season, Boniface has scored eight goals in 18 Bundesliga appearances, showing why many see him as one of the most promising Nigerian forwards in Europe today.
