Boniface has been a good servant — Super Eagles legend Okocha defends Leverkusen star from critics

Victor Boniface may have had a quieter second season in the Bundesliga, but Nigerian football icon Jay Jay Okocha believes the forward deserves more praise than criticism.

In an exclusive interview with Pulse Sports at the Bundesliga Common Ground Event, the Super Eagles legend urged fans to focus on Boniface’s overall contributions and the context of his recent form.

“First of all, I would say he’s been a good servant,” Okocha told Pulse Sports managing editor Joba Ogunwale, adding, “He’s done ever so well for us Nigerians in the Bundesliga.”

The legendary playmaker was quick to defend Boniface, who burst onto the German football scene with an electric debut campaign at Bayer Leverkusen, notching 14 goals in just 23 league appearances.

However, a mid-season injury in his second year disrupted the striker’s momentum, forcing him to watch from the sidelines while Patrick Schick stepped in and reclaimed the starting striker role.

Boniface still managed eight goals in 19 appearances, but critics questioned his dip in output. Okocha, though, urged fans to consider the full picture: “Of course, his second season was not as successful as his first, but we don’t have to forget the injury that he had, and we all know that it takes time to come back from a serious injury.”

With Xabi Alonso's move to Real Madrid and Erik ten Hag taking over the reins at Bayer Leverkusen, Boniface now has a fresh opportunity to reassert himself.

Okocha believes the 24-year-old striker’s future is still bright. “If he stays with Bayer Leverkusen, he has to fight for his place, he has to impress the new manager, he has to show that he deserves his place in the team,” the Bolton and PSG legend concluded.

For Boniface, the path back to top form will depend on his ability to stay fit and adapt to Ten Hag’s demands, but with Okocha’s public backing, the striker still has the confidence of one of Nigeria’s all-time greats behind him.