Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has hinted at plans to open a football academy in his hometown, Akure, Ondo State, as he looks to develop the next generation of football talent in Nigeria, Bold Sports reports.
The 24-year-old dropped the hint on his Instagram story on Wednesday evening, where he wrote: “Opening a football academy in Akure. Watch out soon.”
Boniface’s passion for football began on the streets of Akure before his dream of turning professional pushed him to Lagos, where he joined Real Sapphire Academy. His breakthrough came at just 18, when he secured a move to Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, scoring 21 goals in 65 appearances before making another big step in his career.
In 2022, the forward moved to Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, where he enjoyed a breakout season, recording 17 goals and 10 assists in 51 matches. His exploits earned him a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, where he announced himself in style — winning the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award four consecutive times and helping Xabi Alonso’s side clinch the Bundesliga title.
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Despite recent setbacks, including injuries and failed moves to Al Nassr in January and AC Milan this summer, Boniface’s journey is a story of resilience, perseverance, and determination — traits he now hopes to pass on to young talents through his proposed academy.
If the plan materialises, Boniface will join a growing list of Super Eagles players investing in grassroots football development. Taiwo Awoniyi recently became a majority shareholder of the Kwara Kiddies League, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Benjamin Tanimu have launched youth projects in Edo State.
Similarly, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is already making an impact through the Troost-Ekong Foundation, supporting underprivileged children in Akwa Ibom while plans to set up a state-of-the-art Sports & Skills Academy in the state are ongoing.
For Boniface, however, the proposed project serves as a chance to give back to Akure and inspire the next generation to dream big, just like he once did.
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