Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has revealed the extra efforts he invests in keeping Nigerian striker Victor Boniface focused on football, despite the player’s jovial off-field personality.
Boniface, one of Nigeria’s top attacking prospects, made a major impact in the Bundesliga last season, scoring 14 goals and providing nine assists in 23 appearances.
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His stellar form helped Leverkusen secure their first-ever Bundesliga title, earning him the prestigious Rookie of the Year award and a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.
The 23-year-old has carried that momentum into the new campaign, netting twice and assisting in Leverkusen’s 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim.
However, beyond his footballing prowess, Boniface has gained a reputation for his light-hearted personality on social media, where he shares memes, and banter, and participates in comedy skits.
Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder, acknowledged the striker’s fun-loving nature but stressed the importance of maintaining his focus on club targets.
“All the teammates really like him, the guy creates a great atmosphere. Sometimes you have to force him to focus only on football, but that’s my job,” Alonso said after Boniface’s recent standout performance.
Boniface will play a crucial role when Leverkusen take on Feyenoord in their upcoming Champions League clash.
The Dutch side remains unbeaten in the Eredivisie, while Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, have collected six points from their opening three matches.
This will be the first competitive meeting between the clubs since their 1987 UEFA Cup encounter
