Former Nigeria international Peter Osaze Odemwingie believes Bundesliga based Super Eagles star Victor Boniface’s failed transfer to the Saudi Pro League in the January transfer window is “a good thing” for the young center forward’s career, Footynaija.com reports.
During the winter transfer window, Boniface looked to be on his way out of the Bay Arena after Bayer Leverkusen gave Saudi Pro League big guns Al Nassr the greenlight to secure the services of the Nigerian striker.
However, despite reaching an agreement with both Leverkusen and Boniface on a transfer fee and contract terms respectively, Al Nassr pulled out of the deal at the last minute, opting instead to complete a deal for Colombian striker Jhon Duran.
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Odemwingie’s take on the failed transfer
Odemwingie, a former striker who spent his prime years in the Premier League and has 137 career goals to his name, believes that Boniface has all the qualities to be classed as a complete striker and a move to the Middle-East would have been a complete waste since he can still contribute significantly for most of the top clubs in Europe.
“Honestly, I saw his possible departure for Saudi Arabia last January as a waste. Fortunately, it didn’t happen, and I think it’s a good thing for his career,” the former West Brom forward told Africa Foot.
“Victor is a player of inestimable talent. His play with his back to goal, his propensity to attack from deep, his technical skill and his ability to score with both feet and his head make him a complete striker.”
“For me, he ticks all the boxes of the modern striker. He is tall (1m90), his eye for goal and especially his game without the ball, that is to say his ability to press his defenders, are undeniable assets for him to establish himself at a more prestigious club.”
Judging by Boniface’s impact – notching 42 goal contributions in 60 appearances and contributing significantly to last season’s Bundesliga triumph – at Bayer Leverkusen since his arrival in the summer of 2023, it’s hard to fault Odemwingie’s appraisal of the Super Eagles striker.
