There is always that time in a man's life when he gets the opportunity to strut the stuff he is made of. If he is wise, he makes sure he takes full advantage of the chance to make the much awaited statement and write his name in gold.
While some people do all in their power to take full advantage of such rare opportunities and make hay, others are not always lucky as they fail at such first hurdles.
But the story is different for a certain Victor Boniface -- the Nigerian forward who is making waves at new German club, Bayer Leverkusen.
A new spirit of accomplishments seems to have possessed the striker since joining Leverkusen from Belgian side, Union Saint Guilloise in the summer. Boniface has since taken the Bundesliga by storm with weekly renditions that has continued to boost his profile as a top draw when it comes to putting the ball behind the net.
The Nigerian has proved that the goalscoring exploits that fetched him the top joint scorer of the last season's Europa League was no fluke as his deliveries for Leverkusen in just over two months of arrival has earned him back to Rookie of The Month awards for the months of August and September.
Boniface finished with six goals to share the joint top scorer award with Manchester United's Marcus Rashford in last season's Europa League to prove his quality as a finisher of world class pedigree. It is therefore no surprise that he is being reported that he is on the radar of Spanish giants, Real Madrid who want a top 9 in the mould of the departed duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
There are indications that, on the strength of his highly sought-after qualities, Boniface could fulfill his dreams of becoming a Real Madrid player sooner than expected.
Boniface is known as an all-round centre forward, that is good with both feet, physical and powerful in the air.
That he dribbles well, while still retaining his knack for scoring breathtaking goals is what is convincing Real Madrid to splash the cash for his services. There are claims that Leverkusen coach, Xabi Alonso who also played for Real Madrid is favourably disposed towards having Boniface make the transition from Germany to Spain should the opportunity present itself.
Boniface has not limited his goalscoring exploits to his club. He is attempting replicate same with the Super Eagles.
Boniface proved a worthy replacement for the injured Taiwo Awoniyi who was unavailable for Nigeria's double-header friendly games against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal on October 13, and 16 respectively.
He had opened the scoring when the Eagles tackled the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia last Friday.
Even though game would end 2-2 after the Saudis fought back gamely to draw the match, there was no doubt that he had made a statement. And it wasn't the first he showed glimpses of what he could do in an Eagles shirt.
He had spent only 26 minutes on the pitch after coming in as a second half for Awoniyi in their game in an African Cup Nations qualifier in September but did enough to show what he was capable of.
Boniface, it was, who produced the assist that helped Samuel Chukwueze to score in that game.
And for a player who is just 22, signed his five year deal with Bayer Leverkusen on July 22, 2023, and wears the No 22 jersey for same club, there is more to expect. One thing is evidently clear. A new Super Eagles goals sensation is born.
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