A Rising Star’s Dilemma

Victor Boniface stood at a pivotal moment in his career. Fresh off a sensational season with Bayer Leverkusen, where he was crowned the Bundesliga Rookie of the Year, the young Nigerian forward found himself at the center of a high-profile transfer saga. With Al Nassr—one of Saudi Arabia’s football powerhouses—offering him a lucrative deal, Boniface had a life-changing decision to make.

But not everyone was convinced it was the right move.

Among those weighing in was Tijani Babangida, a former Super Eagles winger who once dazzled for Ajax. In an exclusive chat with Africafoot, the 51-year-old football veteran urged Boniface to rethink a premature exit from European football.

“Listen, this is not a criticism of Victor because he is such a talented boy who is able to make personal decisions,” Babangida stated. “But I think it’s a little too early.”

Babangida’s words carried the wisdom of experience. He believed Boniface still had at least seven more years to compete at the highest level in Europe, possibly earning an even bigger move to an elite club before considering a transition to Saudi Arabia.

“Al Nassr is a big club, but he is too young to move to Saudi Arabia,” Babangida continued. “This decision could impact his legacy.”

Despite his reservations, Babangida wished Boniface nothing but success if he ultimately chose to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.

Meanwhile, the transfer saga remained unresolved. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that negotiations were ongoing, but Al Nassr was also exploring other options before the January window shut.

As Nigerian football faithful eagerly awaited Boniface’s decision, the young forward faced a career-defining choice: chase European glory a little longer or embrace the financial rewards of Saudi Arabia.