Victor Boniface’s much-anticipated transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr collapsed in the January transfer window, and former Super Eagles forward Peter Odemwingie has now offered his take on the situation in an interview with Africafoot.
Boniface, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, was on the verge of joining Al Nassr, with a deal reportedly worth around €40 million on the table. Negotiations had reached an advanced stage, and the striker was even excused from training to finalize discussions. However, the Saudi club eventually decided to pull the plug, choosing instead to pursue former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
Reacting to the development, Peter Odemwingie shared his thoughts on the collapse of the move and the wider implications of Nigerian players opting for Saudi clubs. He acknowledged the financial attraction but warned of the potential impact on a player’s form and international prospects.
“Honestly, I saw his possible departure for Saudi Arabia last January as a waste. Luckily it didn’t happen and I think it’s a good thing for his career. Victor is a player of inestimable talent.
His back-to-goal play, his propensity to attack depth, his technical skill and his ability to score with both feet and head make him a complete attacker. He ticks all the boxes of the modern striker for me. He is tall (1m90), his sense of goal and especially his game without the ball, that is to say his ability to press his defenders are undeniable assets for him to win in a more prestigious club.“ Odemwingie said.
The 23-year-old Boniface has enjoyed an impressive spell at Leverkusen, having played a crucial role in their Bundesliga title defence under Xabi Alonso. His strong performances have caught the attention of clubs across Europe and beyond, making him one of Nigeria’s most sought-after forwards.
“I am convinced that between now and the next transfer window, he will have several offers from big European teams and he will have to take on this challenge.
He has the profile, for example, to win in England or Spain. He is a young striker who can still improve on certain details of the game and I think he would be a big reinforcement for his next club.,” he added.
Though the Al Nassr deal fell through, Boniface quickly refocused on finishing the season strongly with Leverkusen, as they set out to defend their Bundesliga title for the remainder of the Season.
