Canada striker Promise David has paid glowing tribute to Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface, describing the Nigerian international as the player who has had the greatest influence on his football career.
The 24-year-old forward made the revelation after making his FIFA World Cup debut for Canada during their opening group stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Introduced from the bench in the second half, Promise played a key role as the hosts fought back to earn a valuable 1-1 draw.
Speaking after the game, the former Nigeria U23 international reflected on his journey to football’s biggest stage and highlighted the impact Boniface has had on his development as a professional footballer.
According to the Royale Union Saint-Gilloise striker, the support he continues to receive from Nigerians remains special despite representing Canada at senior international level.
Promise, who was born in Canada to Nigerian parents and previously featured for Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles, said he remains grateful for the encouragement he gets from friends and supporters back in Nigeria.
The striker also singled out Boniface as the Nigerian player who has shaped his career the most, a statement that carries added significance given the connection between the two forwards.
Boniface enjoyed a successful spell at Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise before earning a move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023. Promise later arrived at the club and has continued the tradition of Nigerian excellence, establishing himself as one of the most exciting attacking talents in Belgian football.
The towering forward enjoyed an impressive campaign with Union Saint-Gilloise, helping the club compete at the highest level while attracting growing attention on the international scene. His rise eventually earned him a place in Canada’s World Cup squad, where he has now taken another major step in his career.
Promise described his World Cup debut as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream, insisting that years of sacrifice, hard work and dedication made the moment even more rewarding.
With Canada aiming to make a deep run on home soil, the striker will be hoping to build on his encouraging first appearance and repay the faith shown in him by the coaching staff.
For Nigerian fans, Promise’s comments offer another reminder of Victor Boniface’s growing influence beyond the Super Eagles, with the Bayer Leverkusen star continuing to inspire the next generation of players making their mark across Europe and on the international stage.
