Victor Boniface has opened up on the emotional support he received from award-winning Nigerian singer Teni the Entertainer during one of the most difficult periods of his career.
The Super Eagles striker, who endured months of pain before eventually undergoing knee surgery earlier this year, publicly thanked the singer for constantly checking up on him throughout his recovery journey.
Boniface took to his official X account to acknowledge the gesture, revealing that Teni remained in touch with him after his operation.
“After my surgery, I know how many times Teni Entertainer call to check on me. Respect,” the forward posted.
For Boniface, the message was more than just appreciation it was a reflection of how lonely and mentally draining long-term injuries can become for professional athletes.
The 25-year-old had been struggling with a serious knee problem during his difficult loan spell at Bundesliga side Werder Bremen. Although he continued playing through discomfort for months, the injury eventually became impossible to manage.
Back in January, the Nigerian striker underwent surgery after severe cartilage damage worsened during a league game in December 2025. Following consultations with medical experts in Austria, Boniface travelled to Innsbruck where renowned surgeon Dr. Christian Fink successfully carried out the operation.
At the time, Boniface admitted he had been hiding the extent of his pain from the public.
“I was putting on a fake smile,” he confessed while reflecting on the difficult period.
Expectedly, his revelation drew sympathy from fans, many of whom were unaware of the physical and emotional toll the injury had taken on him behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, Teni’s support has once again highlighted the close bond that often exists between Nigerian entertainers and football stars.
Born Teniola Apata, the singer has become one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian music industry, known not only for her chart-topping songs but also for her vibrant personality and loyalty to friends.
From hits like Case and Uyo Meyo to Billionaire, Teni has consistently remained a fan favourite since breaking into the spotlight in 2017. Over the years, she has earned several major awards, including Rookie of the Year at the Headies and Best New Artist at the Soundcity MVP Awards.
In 2022, she was also honoured with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) award for her contribution to Nigerian entertainment and culture.
For Boniface, however, this story was not about music or football statistics.
It was simply about support during a dark moment.
And sometimes, for injured athletes fighting silent battles away from the spotlight, those phone calls matter more than people realise.
