Victor Boniface is a Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and the Nigeria national team.
From his early days at Real Sapphire in Lagos to making his name in Norway, Belgium, and now Germany, Boniface has become one of Europe’s most exciting forwards with his strength, skill, and goalscoring flair.
In this article, Footynaija.com takes a closer look at the striker who is making headlines in the Bundesliga and leading Nigeria’s attacks.
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Biography
Victor Okoh Boniface was born on December 23, 2000, in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. He started his youth football with Real Sapphire FC, a Lagos-based football academy.
Boniface’s European journey began in 2019 when he signed with Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt. He was only 18 at the time but quickly made an impression with his physical presence and eye for goal.
Boniface contributed to Bodø/Glimt’s 2020 Eliteserien title win, and his performances caught the eye of Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, who signed him in August 2022.
It was in Belgium that Boniface truly exploded in Europe. He scored 17 goals across all competitions in the 2022–23 season, including a standout run in the UEFA Europa League where he finished as joint-top scorer with 6 goals.
He earned for himself a big move to Bayer Leverkusen in July 2023, joining the Bundesliga outfit for a reported fee of around €20 million. He hit the ground running in Germany, and has since become a top player in the Bundesliga.
Internationally, Boniface received his first Super Eagles call-up in September 2023. He made his debut shortly after and was part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, though an untimely injury ruled him out just before the tournament kicked off.
Career Stats
Boniface has quickly risen to prominence as one of Nigeria’s great forwards in Europe. Here is a breakdown of his numbers so far:
Bodø/Glimt – 66 apps (23G, 7A)
Union Saint-Gilloise – 51 apps (17G, 11A)
Bayer Leverkusen – 61 apps (32G, 12A)
Nigeria – 11 apps (1G)
Victor Boniface Salary
For the 2024–2025 season, Victor Boniface is expected to earn a base salary of about €2 million, which breaks down to roughly €38,462 per week, excluding performance-related bonuses.
He is currently under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 30 June 2028, with four years remaining on his deal. His total estimated gross earnings over the duration of the contract is around €8 million.
Victor Boniface Net Worth and Market Value
Victor Boniface is estimated to have a net worth of $1.5 million, earned through club contracts, performance bonuses, and endorsements.
According to Transfermarkt, his current market value stands at €45 million, reflecting his impressive rise in European football and strong performances for Bayer Leverkusen.
Victor Boniface Parents
Victor Boniface was born to Mr. and Mrs. Okoh Boniface (both late) but was raised by his grandparents in a military barrack in Ondo State after losing his parents at a young age. His mother passed away in a tragic accident in 2019, a loss that deeply affected him both mentally and emotionally.
Boniface once revealed that the grief, combined with a serious injury and a missed transfer opportunity to Club Brugge, nearly pushed him away from football. He admitted to falling into depression, losing interest in the game, and struggling with his habits.
Despite the difficult period, his grandmother remained a strong pillar of support. She was present in Germany to witness him lift the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.
Victor Boniface Girlfriend and Kids
Victor Boniface was previously in a relationship with Norwegian model and influencer Rikke Hermine, whom he met during his time at FK Bodø/Glimt. The two were often seen together, and Rikke was known to support him during matches.
In January 2025, rumours of a breakup circulated after both parties unfollowed each other on social media and removed shared photos.
However, Boniface later addressed the speculation directly on Twitter, denying the claims. His tweet dismissed the reports as false.
As of now, there is no information indicating that Victor Boniface has any children.
Victor Boniface Transfer News
Victor Boniface is currently one of the most sought-after forwards in European football. Following his success in Bayer Leverkusen, the Nigerian striker has attracted serious interest from Juventus.
Multiple reports confirm that Juventus scouts have been monitoring Boniface closely, as the Serie A giants consider him a potential replacement for Dušan Vlahović should the Serbian leave in the coming window.
Meanwhile, Footynaija earlier reported that Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race to sign the 24-year-old. Spurs had previously made enquiries about his availability before shifting focus to Dominic Solanke. However, Boniface remains firmly on their radar.
FC 25 Ratings
Victor Boniface’s overall player rating in EA SPORTS FC 25 is 82, confirming his reputation as one of Europe’s top young strikers. The Bayer Leverkusen and Super Eagles forward is known for his powerful finishes, strength, and hold-up play.
His standard card highlights his dominant presence in attack:
Pace: 73
(Acceleration 70, Sprint Speed 75)
Shooting: 83
(Positioning 84, Finishing 82, Shot Power 91, Long Shots 79, Volleys 79, Penalties 75)
Passing: 66
(Vision 74, Short Passing 75, Long Passing 60, Curve 70)
Dribbling: 80
(Agility 68, Balance 60, Reactions 78, Ball Control 82, Dribbling 84, Composure 78)
Physicality: 82
(Jumping 88, Stamina 67, Strength 90, Aggression 79)
