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Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso revealed how he makes playful Victor Boniface focus on football.
Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has recently shared his dynamics with Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, explaining how he makes an effort to keep the former Union Berlin striker focused.
The 21-year-old was one of the best forwards in European football last season before his unfortunate injury. He has slowly played his way back to top form and has started this season brightly, scoring three goals and providing an assist in four matches played so far.
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12:12 - 15.09.2024
I will stop posting memes and catching cruise - Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface
Nigeria and Super Eagles Victor Boniface seems set to reduce his social media activities.
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06:37 - 17.09.2024
Naija Stars Abroad: Ademola Lookman beaten to Baller of the Week crown by 3-star teammate
Ademola Lookman's impressive return at Atalanta was not enough to edge Victor Boniface as the Naija Stars Abroad's Baller of the Week.
Boniface’s light-hearted nature
Uncharacteristic of a superstar talent, which Boniface is, the Ondo-born striker regularly shares memes on social media.
He is jovial, and his antics on the internet are not an alter ego but an extension of his real-life persona.
Consequently, Boniface is the life of the party in the dressing room, as seen in a recent video of him teasing Super Eagles teammate Taiwo Awoniyi to spare him €100.
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His playful nature poses a unique challenge to coaches who, as is required in competitive spaces, require players to maintain focus, and his Leverkusen boss, Alonso, recently shared how they operate that dynamic.
What Alonso said
Speaking after Boniface’s brace and an assist in the 4-1 victory over Mainz, the 42-year-old highlighted Boniface's light-hearted nature and how he is loved by his teammates. However, he explained that he sometimes has to make him keep his eye on the ball.
“All the teammates really like him,” he said, per Efotbal. “The guy creates a great atmosphere. Sometimes you have to force him to focus only on football, but that’s my job; that’s what I’m trying to do.”
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