Victor Boniface, a forward for Bayer Leverkusen and the Super Eagles of Nigeria, said that Xabi Alonso, his club coach, was an inspiration.

After playing well for Union St Gillaloise of the Belgian Jupiler League, Boniface signed with the German Bundesliga team last summer.

According to the Nigerian international, Alonso utilised Didier Drogba, a former attacker for Chelsea, as a source of inspiration and determination to always give it his all.

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“Everybody knew him as a great player, he (Alonso) was fantastic and won everything in football.

“He’s really helped me a lot and tried to advise me,” Boniface said.

“He gave me the example of Didier Drogba, saying he was big and strong, and he wants the same from me.

“He was trying to put that type of mentality in my head because I’m the type of guy who just wants to have a good game.

“Even if I’m not scoring, it doesn’t matter, as long as we are winning.

“But he wants to try and change that mentality, for me to become a fighter. He’s a top, top coach”, he added.

In 16 games this season, Boniface has 10 goals and 17 assists.