Promise David Names Victor Boniface as Biggest Career Influence Ahead of Canada’s 2026 World Cup Campaign

Promise David Akinpelu has publicly credited Bayer Leverkusen and Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface as the defining influence on his professional football career, remarks that carry particular weight given the two players share a direct connection through Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

The 24-year-old Canadian forward, who previously represented Nigeria at under-23 level, made his FIFA World Cup debut during Canada’s opening Group Stage fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Akinpelu entered the contest as a 60th-minute substitute for Jonathan David and played a notable role as Canada recovered from a deficit to secure a 1-1 draw late in the match.

Speaking to journalist Bolarinwa Olajide following the game, Akinpelu reflected on what competing at the World Cup means to him personally. “I think we trained our whole life to be at this stage, which is the biggest stage of football,” he said. The forward also expressed enthusiasm about the tournament being held on home soil, adding: “Obviously, all my Nigerian friends always support me, and it is great to have the World Cup at home.”

When asked to identify a Nigerian player who has had the greatest impact on his development, Akinpelu singled out Boniface without hesitation. The acknowledgement highlights an intriguing professional overlap between the two forwards: when Boniface departed Royale Union Saint-Gilloise for Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2023, it was Akinpelu who effectively stepped into his role at the Belgian club. Boniface had been a standout performer for Union SG before earning his move to the Bundesliga, where he has since established himself as one of the most dynamic strikers in European football.

Akinpelu’s international journey has itself been unconventional. Having represented Nigeria at youth level, he subsequently switched allegiance to Canada, a pathway that reflects the broader trend of dual-eligible players navigating international football commitments. His World Cup debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina marked a significant milestone in that transition, coming on the grandest stage the sport offers.

Canada’s 1-1 result in their Group Stage opener leaves them with work to do as the tournament progresses, but Akinpelu’s cameo provided encouragement for a squad aiming to capitalise on home advantage throughout the competition. The call for Nigerian supporters to back Canada underscores the personal ties that many of these dual-heritage players maintain with both nations they represent.

Boniface, meanwhile, continues to build his reputation with Bayer Leverkusen following a title-winning 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign under Xabi Alonso, in which the Nigerian international was a key contributor. His influence extending to a former Union SG teammate now competing at a World Cup is a testament to the reach of his standing within the game.