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‘Victor Boniface Inspired Me’ – Canada’s Promise David Akinpelu Credits Super Eagles Star
Canada international Promise David Akinpelu has revealed that Nigeria striker Victor Boniface played a major role in shaping his football journey, while also encouraging Nigerian fans to support Canada at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 24-year-old forward, who previously featured for Nigeria at U23 level before switching allegiance to Canada, made his World Cup debut in Canada’s opening group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Coming off the bench in the 60th minute for Jonathan David, Promise helped energise Canada’s attack as they fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with a late equaliser.
After the match, the Royale Union Saint-Gilloise striker described the moment as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream built on years of dedication and sacrifice.
“We trained our whole life to be at this stage, which is the biggest stage of football,” he said.
He also expressed pride in playing a World Cup hosted on home soil, while acknowledging the continued encouragement he receives from friends and supporters in Nigeria.
“Obviously, all my Nigerian friends always support me, and it is great to have the World Cup at home,” he added.
When asked about the Nigerian player who has influenced him the most, Promise singled out Victor Boniface, now a forward for Bayer Leverkusen.
The link between both players runs deeper, as Promise joined Royale Union Saint-Gilloise as Boniface’s successor following the Nigerian striker’s move to Germany in 2023.
Since then, the Canadian forward has steadily developed in Belgium and is now translating that progress onto the international stage, with his World Cup debut marking another key step in his rising career.
As Canada continue their campaign, Promise will be aiming to build on his promising first appearance while carrying support from both his adopted nation and his country of birth.
