Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has pledged financial and moral support for an injured Nigerian footballer seeking treatment for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, drawing praise from fans and the wider football community.
Boniface, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen and the Nigerian national team, committed after learning of the player’s condition through social media appeals highlighting the high cost of surgery and rehabilitation. ACL injuries often require specialized treatment abroad, placing the process beyond the reach of many local players.
In a message shared online, Boniface said he would personally assist in covering the cost of the footballer’s medical care, stressing the importance of standing by fellow professionals whose careers are threatened by injury.
“Football is a short career, and injuries can change everything,” Boniface wrote. “We have to support one another, especially when help is needed most.”
The injured footballer, whose name was not immediately disclosed in public statements, reportedly sustained the ACL injury during a domestic league fixture and has been sidelined for months. Friends and teammates had launched a fundraising campaign to raise money for surgery and post-operative rehabilitation.
Boniface’s intervention has significantly eased the financial burden, according to those close to the player, and is expected to accelerate access to proper medical treatment.
The gesture has reignited discussion about player welfare in Nigerian football, particularly at lower professional and semi-professional levels, where insurance coverage and medical support are often limited. Sports analysts say many players rely on personal savings or public donations to treat serious injuries.
Fans, former players, and sports administrators have commended Boniface for using his platform and resources to support a colleague, describing the move as an example of leadership beyond the pitch.
“This is what giving back looks like,” a former Super Eagles international said. “It highlights both the generosity of players like Boniface and the gaps that still exist in our football system.”
Boniface has previously been involved in charitable gestures, including support for grassroots football initiatives and youth development programs.
While welcoming Boniface’s pledge, stakeholders have renewed calls on football authorities, clubs, and sponsors to strengthen medical insurance schemes and welfare structures for players.
“Individual kindness is admirable, but it should not replace institutional responsibility,” a sports administrator said. “No professional footballer should have to beg for treatment after getting injured doing their job.”
As the injured player prepares for surgery, Boniface’s support has offered renewed hope, not just for recovery, but also for greater solidarity within Nigerian football.
