Odemwingie Lauds Boniface for Staying in Europe, Avoiding Saudi Move

Former Super Eagles striker Peter Odemwingie has voiced strong support for Victor Boniface’s decision to remain at Bayer Leverkusen rather than accept a January move to Saudi Arabia. The 24 year old Nigerian forward was reportedly close to signing with Al Nassr, following Anderson Talisca’s departure from the Saudi side. However, the club opted for Colombian striker Jhon Durán instead.

Reacting to the failed transfer, Odemwingie said he was relieved the move didn’t materialise. “Honestly, I saw his possible departure for Saudi Arabia last January as a waste,” he stated in comments reported by Africafoot. “Fortunately, it didn’t happen, and I think it’s a good thing for his career. Victor is a player of inestimable talent.”

Boniface has been instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s sensational season under Xabi Alonso. He’s not only helped secure the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title but has also been a driving force in their UEFA Europa League run to the final. So far, he has scored eight goals in 18 league appearances.

Odemwingie believes staying in Europe has kept Boniface on a competitive path and predicts the striker will attract major offers from top-tier clubs in the summer. “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,” he added.

Editorial

Victor Boniface made the right call—and we’re glad he did. In an age where money talks louder than ambition, it’s refreshing to see a young Nigerian talent choose growth over immediate financial gain. His choice to stay in Europe shows maturity and a hunger for elite football, qualities we desperately need more of in our footballing culture.

Let’s not sugar-coat it—Saudi Arabia has become a tempting destination for players chasing lucrative deals. But for a 24 year old still carving out his identity at the top level, it could have been a career detour too soon. Boniface is not just any striker—he’s one of the brightest Nigerian prospects we’ve seen in years. What he needs now is challenge, visibility, and consistent high-level competition.

Odemwingie’s comments hit the mark. Boniface has thrived under Xabi Alonso, improving his link-up play, physical presence, and tactical awareness. His impact in the Bundesliga and on the European stage has elevated both his value and his confidence. And now, the door to England or Spain stands wide open.

We should all be backing this journey. Nigeria has long needed a new face to lead the line in Europe’s biggest arenas, and Boniface might just be that figure. With the right move next season, he could become not just a club icon, but a national symbol of footballing excellence. The future is calling he just needs to keep listening to the right voices.

Did You Know?

1. Victor Boniface began his professional career with Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt before moving to Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium.
2. Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title in 2024 is the first in the club’s 120-year history.
3. Xabi Alonso, Boniface’s coach, won the UEFA Champions League as a player with both Liverpool and Real Madrid.
4. Peter Odemwingie earned 63 caps for Nigeria and played at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
5. Boniface was the joint-top scorer in the 2022–23 UEFA Europa League while playing for Union Saint-Gilloise.