Victor Boniface’s move to AC Milan: New chapter or another lesson for Nigerian stars in Serie A?

Sports Top Stories
Okezie Omorogie
August 22, 2025
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AC Milan latest squad addition, Victor Boniface. Photo Credit- Sempre Italian

The transfer of Victor Boniface to AC Milan on August 21, 2025, as a loan deal with a €30 million buy option, has ignited excitement among fans of both the Rossoneri and Nigerian football. The 24-year-old Super Eagles striker, who scored 32 goals in 61 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, represents a significant acquisition for a Milan side aiming to strengthen their attack under Massimiliano Allegri. However, the troubling experiences of Nigerian players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in Serie A cast a shadow over this move. This piece is set to criticize Boniface’s transfer in light of these precedents, questioning whether AC Milan will provide a fair platform for the young striker or repeat the patterns of mistreatment as seen with its fellow Italian clubs.

The promise of Boniface’s arrival

The arrival of Victor Boniface at AC Milan is a strategic move for both player and club. For Milan, the loan structure; €5 million upfront with a €24 million buy option, minimizes financial risk while securing a dynamic, physical striker who can complement Rafael Leao and Samuel Chukwueze. Boniface’s Bundesliga record, with 21 goals in his debut season and eight in an injury-hit follow-up, showcases his clinical finishing and versatility. His Champions League goal against Milan in October 2024 proves he can perform on big stages. For Boniface, joining a club of Milan’s stature offers a chance to reclaim his status as a top striker after losing his starting role at Leverkusen and even falling behind in the order due to the arrival of Erik ten Hag. The presence of Chukwueze, Milan’s top-scoring Nigerian, could ease his transition, but the broader context of Nigerian players in Italy raises concerns about what lies ahead.

The Serie A crisis: Osimhen and Lookman’s struggles

The experiences of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman highlight a disturbing trend in how Italian clubs treat Nigerian players. Osimhen, Napoli’s 2022/23 Serie A top scorer with 26 goals, was pivotal in their Scudetto triumph, yet faced disrespect when Napoli’s official TikTok mocked his penalty miss in September 2023. The incident strained his relationship with the club, culminating in a loan to Galatasaray in 2024 after Napoli’s rigid €75 million valuation blocked permanent transfers. Similarly, Lookman, the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year, faced frustration at Atalanta after they rejected a €45 million Inter Milan offer despite his transfer request in August 2025. His public complaints of “poor treatment” and Atalanta’s harsh critiques, including Gasperini’s jab at his penalty-taking, reveal a pattern of undervaluing African stars, raising questions about whether Boniface will face similar challenges.

Is Boniface’s prospects in Serie A an opportunity or risk?

Boniface’s transfer offers immense potential but is not without risks. Milan’s faith in him over pricier targets like Dusan Vlahovic or Rasmus Hojlund signals confidence in his ability to lead their attack. His physicality and technical skill align with Allegri’s system, and his prior success suggests he can adapt to Serie A. However, Italian media, including Gazzetta dello Sport, have flagged his injury history; two ACL injuries and recent muscle issues as a “gamble.” His outspoken personality, marked by controversial gestures and off-field incidents, may also clash with Italy’s expectations of discipline. The treatment of Osimhen and Lookman suggests Boniface could face intense scrutiny or unfair narratives if he struggles to adapt. Milan’s recent anti-racism stance is encouraging, but it must translate into tangible support for Boniface to succeed.

What could be done?

The fear or would I say the concern that many Nigerian fans have for Victor Boniface transfer is overwhelming and that is well understood, but that doesn’t mean that has happened for others could happen to him as well..For Boniface to thrive, AC Milan must break from the patterns that alienated Osimhen and Lookman. The club has a chance to set a new standard by fostering an environment of trust, ensuring Boniface’s injury concerns are managed carefully and his contributions are respected.

Serie A’s broader issue, where African players face higher transfer barriers and harsher treatment than European counterparts demands reform. Milan can lead by example, leveraging Boniface’s talent alongside Chukwueze to challenge for the Scudetto. Nigerian fans hope Boniface will become the seventh Nigerian to shine at Milan, but his success hinges on the club’s commitment to fairness and support, ensuring he avoids the pitfalls that marred his predecessors’ time in Italy.

Final take

Victor Boniface’s move to AC Milan is a beacon of hope for Nigerian football, offering a platform to showcase his world-class potential. Yet, the cautionary tales of Osimhen and Lookman show the challenges he may face in a league that has often failed African stars. Milan must prioritize respect, patience, and clear communication to help Boniface succeed, both as a player and a person. By doing so, they can not only unlock his potential but also challenge Serie A’s troubling status quo. As Boniface steps onto the San Siro, the football world watches, hoping he can rewrite the narrative for Nigerian players in Italy and cement his place among Milan’s greats.