Nigerian striker Victor Boniface was visibly emotional after making his UEFA Champions League debut in Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-0 victory over Dutch side Feyenoord on Thursday.
Although he didn’t score, Boniface played a crucial role in the team’s dominant first-half performance.
Also read: George Ilenikhena scores on Champions League debut as Monaco stun Barcelona
Boniface was substituted after 62 minutes for Patrik Schick. Reflecting on his journey, Boniface expressed immense pride in his achievement, recalling how he once watched Champions League matches at a viewing center in Akure, Nigeria. Now, playing in the competition, he described it as a dream come true.
“From paying 30 naira to watch Champions League football for night back then for 323 Army Barrack Akure, To playing my first Champions League game. Proud of this moment,” Boniface wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Boniface has been one of the most instrumental players for Xabi Alonso’s team since joining from Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023. Despite being out injured for almost four months, he was the team’s top scorer in their Bundesliga title-winning squad.
