Europa League: Victor Boniface, Union Saint-Gilloise's key weapon
Victor Boniface is in sensational form this season with Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise in the Jupiler League.
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He is not at a top club yet, but Victor Boniface is steadily making a name for himself in professional football. The 22-year-old Nigerian could follow the same path as Victor Osimhen. After a spell at Charleroi, Osimhen sent shivers through Belgium before moving on to Lille in France's Ligue 1. For now, Victor Boniface only shares a first name with Osimhen, but he looks to be taking the same route as the Napoli player.
His strong performances for Union Saint-Gilloise, in the Europa League and the Belgian league alike, have made him indispensable to his side, even if he plays it down. "Everyone contributes to the team in their own way. I'm just trying to do my own bit, to help the team in any way I can. When I came here, I knew they played in a way that would suit me", he told walfoot. And for the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final, he is expected to lead the team against Bayer Luverkusen.
With 14 goals in 41 games, plus 9 assists, Victor Boniface is making a huge impact at Union Saint-Gilloise. There were fears he might struggle to adapt to the Jupiler League, as he only arrived last summer from Bodo Glimt (Norway). But not at all. Boniface quickly got to grips with Belgian football. The proof: he started 37 of his 41 appearances and has scored in every competition he has played in. In the Europa League (5 goals, 2 assists), in the league (7 goals, 6 assists) and in the Belgian Cup (2 goals, 1 assist).
Barely arrived, already sold?
Victor Boniface is unlikely to stay long at Union Saint-Gilloise. His run of performances is even putting scouts on alert. However, the 22-year-old striker remains level-headed. "I don't care about that kind of thing. Two years ago, I didn't even think I would play in Belgium because I was injured. So I'm not thinking about a transfer. I'm just thinking about playing, feeling free on the pitch and staying injury-free", he said.
He is on the radar of AC Milan and Napoli in particular, in Italy.
Jim CEESAY