AC Milan’s opening day collapse at San Siro has sparked fury among Nigerian fans, with many lashing out at the club’s transfer delay over Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface, Footynaija.com reports.
Milan slumped 2–1 to newly promoted Cremonese on August 23, 2025, their first Serie A home opening day loss since 2012. Federico Baschirotto put the visitors ahead before Strahinja Pavlović equalised for the Rossoneri, but Federico Bonazzoli’s overhead kick sealed a shock win for the visitors.
Attention immediately turned to the stalled transfer of Boniface, the 24-year-old Nigerian forward who scored 14 Bundesliga goals in his debut campaign at Bayer Leverkusen and helped them win the league in 2023–24.
Boniface, who has battled two serious ACL injuries in the past, has been in Milan undergoing extensive medical checks before a proposed season-long loan with a €5 million fee and €24 million option to buy.
As revealed in another report, Sporting director Igli Tare admitted the hesitation, saying:
“We are checking Victor Boniface’s medical. His football skills are excellent but we need to take the right decision. We will make a final decision soon on his medical also with our coach Max Allegri.”
The cautious approach has fuelled anger in Nigeria, where fans followed Milan’s loss with frustration. On X, several Super Eagles supporters mocked the club’s lack of firepower, suggesting Boniface could have made the difference.
One comment summed it up: “If you like, no sign Boniface.”
Multiple reports reveal that Boniface has already undergone at least three examinations across different Milan clinics, creating what Italian media dubbed a “knee thriller.”
Despite the uncertainty, Milan have prepared a No. 22 shirt for him, a number previously worn by club legend Kaká, highlighting the anticipation around his potential arrival.