Nigerian sports broadcaster and media entrepreneur, Edafe Matthew Elegbete, has voiced his concerns over the growing perception of Victor Boniface, saying the Bayer Leverkusen striker is being recognised more for his off-field personality than his actual football, Footynaija.com reports.
Elegbete, who is the founder of Elegbete TV and Radio and a known voice in the fight against human trafficking in sports, made the comments during a recent episode on his YouTube platform, where he discussed Super Eagles players and public image.
In his words:
“I hate it when a footballer is known, not by the football that he plays. Let the football be the first thing that speaks.”
“That’s why no matter what you say about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, their football is the bulk of catalogue that you’re going to speak to,” he added.
According to him, Boniface’s rising popularity on social media, driven by memes and humour, is overshadowing his performance on the pitch.
“When you look at him [Boniface], these memes that he was having fun with (I also don’t have a problem with it) have overshadowed his football,” he stressed.
In the conversation, which aired on his YouTube page Elegbete TV, he reminded viewers of Boniface’s impressive football journey.
“You can’t win the League in Norway, play in Belgium, sign for a club in Germany, play a part in them winning the league and go to the final of a UEFA Europa Cup by not being good or knowing how to play football.”
Underneath the personality and playful content, Boniface is facing real footballing frustration. He has now made 13 appearances for the Super Eagles scoring just once.
While he often plays well and links up smartly, the goals have not come. That stat is not lost on fans, and it is clearly not lost on the player either.
After Nigeria’s 1–1 draw with Russia in a friendly on 6 June 2025, Boniface posted a cryptic message on Instagram:
“Proud to play for my country and a dream for me also. Really enjoyed every moment, the good and the bad. Thanks a lot. Thank you all. I don hang boot.”
Many interpreted the now-deleted post as a sign of possible retirement or a moment of emotional burnout. The timing hinted at a striker carrying frustration not just from the goalless national team run, but also from a tough club season.
Boniface scored just 11 goals and provided 2 assists in the 2024–25 campaign for Bayer Leverkusen, far below his breakout numbers the previous season when he helped them win the Bundesliga and reach the UEFA Europa League final.
Injuries and increased competition in the squad disrupted his rhythm, and his confidence seemed to dip at crucial moments.
Still, Elegbete believes the story should return to football — where it all started.
“I don’t have a problem with the memes,” he said, “I know him [Boniface] from Real Sapphire. I know his story way more than a lot of people.”