‘Mikel is a living legend of Nigerian football’, says Victor Boniface

‘Mikel is a living legend of Nigerian football’, says Victor Boniface
Credit: Icon Sport

Nigerian football sensation Victor Boniface while speaking to Super Eagles legend John Obi Mikel in Episode 8 of his Obi One Podcast released on Tuesday, affirmed the former Chelsea player as a legend of Nigerian football.

In an ongoing 2023/24 season already looking extraordinary for the Nigerian, Boniface has won over the Leverkusen fans, asserted his football prominence with scintillating performances for Xabi Alonso's side who are currently leading the on the Bundesliga table.

The 23-year-old football prodigy has etched his name across the football enclave, amassing an impressive tally of 10 goals and seven assists in the fiercely competitive Bundesliga this season.

Impressively, his giant strides for Leverkusen have culminated in a remarkable four consecutive Rookie of the Month awards as a testament of his burgeoning reputation as a striker to be feared by defenders.

‘A living legend of Nigerian football,' Victor Boniface

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, co-host Chris McHardy asked Boniface to describe Mikel.

Without much thought, Boniface quickly affirmed that Mikel is a legend of Nigerian football.

“Yes, of course he's a living legend of Nigerian football. Every young footballer respects this man(Mikel), he's a legend seriously.”

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Credit: Icon sport

‘He will become a complete striker in the next couple of years', Mikel said

In the same Obi One Podcast show, Mikel in his profound reservoir of experience as a player who graced the football field for years, has tipped Boniface for global football prominence as a striker while also expressing his profound qualities.

“He (Boniface) will become a complete striker in the next couple of years. He has the physique, he is quick, good on the ball, technically very good and it’s difficult to see strikers that are that big and strong and powerful and then good on the ball as well,”

Mikel expanded more on other key areas that sets Boniface apart, emphasizing his multifaceted impact on the field for his club even as he encapsulated the anticipation surrounding Boniface’s prodigious evolution to being one of the best footballers in the next few years.

“His assists as well, not just scoring goals, is something that will make this kid special, really, really special. I can’t wait to see what his journey will be in the next couple of years.”

You can listen to the rest of the podcast here:

Victor Boniface is out of AFCON 2023 for the Super Eagles

Unfortunately for the Nigeria Super Eagles, Boniface will not take part in AFCON 2023 due to injury sustained while he trained with his teammates in Abu Dhabi ahead of Nigeria's opening game against Equatorial Guinea on 14 January.

As AFCON 2023 beckons, Nigerians continue to feel the compelling loss and the fact that the youngster won't be able to illuminate the grandest stage of African football with his exceptional talents in the Ivory Coast.

But the ever-evolving world of football will indeed present more opportunities for Boniface to represent Nigeria in other key competitions even as he has emerged as a beacon of promise and hope for things to come for the Super Eagles.

This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago

Joseph is a freelance writer who spends most of his time writing engaging football contents. Based in Nigeria, Joseph is a die-hard Real Madrid fan with over 8 years experience in the sports betting space. He has covered football match previews, predictions, and news across leagues in Africa and Europe.