Boniface Reveals Influence of Neymar, Robinho, and Osimhen on His Career
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has opened up about the key influences that have shaped his career, citing Brazilian stars Neymar and Robinho, as well as Hatem Ben Arfa, Santi Cazorla, and fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen as his inspirations. Boniface shared that he frequently watches YouTube clips of these players to hone his skills and motivate himself before matches.
In an interview with SportyTV, Boniface explained how studying the playing styles of these South American and European stars has helped him improve his technical abilities, especially in tight spaces and 1v1 situations. He noted that Neymar, Robinho, Ben Arfa, and Cazorla have been instrumental in developing his creativity, while Osimhen’s aggressiveness and determination have influenced his approach as a striker.
“There are four players I watch: Neymar, Hatem Ben Arfa, Robinho, and Santi Cazorla,” Boniface said. “I study their movements to learn how to beat defenders and make plays. And from Victor Osimhen, I try to learn his aggressiveness and fighting spirit as a striker.”
Since joining Bayer Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2023, Boniface has quickly made an impact in the Bundesliga, helping his team win both the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal in his debut season. Despite being sidelined for nearly three months due to an injury during Nigeria’s training camp ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Boniface scored 21 goals and provided 10 assists in 34 games last season.
This season, the Nigerian forward has already contributed to five goals (four goals and one assist) in six appearances. Boniface’s dynamic style, which combines elements of a winger and a midfielder, has made him a standout player in Germany.
All eyes will be on Boniface on Saturday as Bayer Leverkusen faces off against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, with the Nigerian striker set to clash with Harry Kane in a highly anticipated Bundesliga showdown.
