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Nigeria's Victor Boniface says it has always been clear to him that playing football is what he wanted to do, and he never doubted himself.
For Nigeria’s Super Eagles sensation Victor Boniface, the path to the upper echelons of European football has been paved with an unshakable self-belief.
Born in Akure, Nigeria, the young striker's journey began in an unlikely setting - a military barrack. But from an early age, Boniface knew exactly where he was headed.
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UEL: German champions Boniface and Tella set for semifinal date with Mourinho's ex AS Roma
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Boniface on his success in football
That self-belief has been the driving force behind Boniface's meteoric ascent after honing his skills in the Norwegian league with Bodo/Glimt.
"I have never doubted myself when it’s football," Boniface said in a video on YouTube, reflecting on his remarkable rise.
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The Nigerian secured a move to Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, where he caught the eye of Bayer Leverkusen's new manager, Xabi Alonso following an intense battle between the teams in the UEFA Europa League.
Alonso was so impressed by Boniface's performances that he wasted no time in securing the 23-year-old's services, paying a reported €20 million to bring him to the BayArena.
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And the Super Eagle has more than justified that price tag, turning in a string of impressive displays that have helped Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title.
Despite missing three months of the season due to injury, Boniface has still managed to find the back of the net 11 times and provided 8 assists in just 18 appearances in the Bundesliga.
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His combination of pace, power, playmaking skill and clinical finishing has made him a nightmare for opposing defences, and his contribution has been crucial in Leverkusen's success.
"I never have doubt about myself, " Boniface added. "I am 100% focused because this is what I wanted to do - play football."
The icing on the cake for the Nigerian came earlier this season when he made his debut for the Super Eagles, the national team he has always dreamed of representing.
With his star continuing to rise, it's clear that the military boy from Akure has well and truly arrived on the global stage.
As Bayer Leverkusen celebrate their historic Bundesliga triumph, Boniface's story serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through unwavering self-belief and a relentless pursuit of one's dreams. The future looks bright for this young Nigerian sensation.
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