Boniface Explains Why Footballers Can’t Combine Career With University, Fans Mention Alozie

Boniface Explains Why Footballers Can’t Combine Career With University, Fans Mention Alozie

  • Victor Boniface recently sparked debate by claiming that the nature of professional football makes it nearly impossible to pursue university education simultaneously
  • His comments prompted discussions about balancing academics and athletics, with fans citing examples like Super Falcons star Michelle Alozie
  • Wilfred Ndidi countered Boniface’s view, suggesting that online classes offer a viable solution for footballers to continue their education

Nigerian international Victor Boniface has stirred online conversation with his comments on the challenges of combining a professional football career with university education.

In a chat, the Bayer Leverkusen striker argued that the demands of football make it nearly impossible to pursue higher education simultaneously.

He stated that 'football is life' in its own right and that anyone who wants to become a professional footballer should dedicate themselves to it full-time.

Victor Boniface, Super Eagles, Michelle Alozie, Super Falcons, Bayer Leverkusen
Victor Boniface of Bayer 04 Leverkusen at a 1. Bundesliga match between St. Pauli and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Millerntor, Hamburg, Germany, on April 20, 2025. Photo by Ulrik Pedersen.
Source: Getty Images

thecultureleague shared the clip on Instagram with the caption:

"Is it really possible to juggle football and university? Or do you agree with @boniface_jrn that it’s just too much?

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"Big shoutout to people like @sheggzolusemo who managed to do both, but the journey wasn’t easy!"

Boniface said on the show:

"Football is a life on its own, and this is what most people don’t get. If you want to play football, just stick to football.
"You can (study), but not like school, say going to the University. That’s exactly what I’m trying to say."

However, his international teammate, Wilfred Ndidi, suggested that it is possible if the learner takes classes online.

He said:

"You can still play football. There’s online classes."

How Alozie combines football with education

Meanwhile, fans have taken to the comment section of the footage to mention Super Falcons star Michelle Alozie, who is balancing football with her academics.

The Nigerian women's national team defender earned a degree in Molecular Biology from Yale University while excelling on the pitch.

She is currently involved in cancer research at the Texas Medical Centre, showcasing her ability to combine athletic and intellectual pursuits.

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Alozie was part of the Super Falcons squad at the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where she made a name for herself.

She also played a crucial role for the team as they won the 2025 Africa Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco, per Britannica.

Fans have taken to the comment section to react. segun.adegoke said:

"Michelle Alozie is playing football and still working as a Medical lab scientist."

emmanuelwisdom1994 added:

"Popsi dey change naira to pounds to send you to school omoo God bless all the parents out there."

assadullah69 posited:

"There's a reason most of them only do the degree thing until their careers are stable to a certain degree."
Michelle Alozie, Victor Boniface, Super Eagles, Super Falcons, Houston Dash, WAFCON
Michelle Alozie of Houston Dash is honoured with the WAFCON medal after winning the competition with Nigeria National prior to the NWSL match against North Carolina Courage. Photo by Marcus Ingram.
Source: Getty Images

Alozie scores upon Houston Dash return

Legit.ng earlier reported that Michelle Alozie marked her return to her club side with a goal after winning the Women's Africa Cup of Nations last month.

The 28-year-old marked her return with a 93rd-minute winning goal for Dash away against NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Babajide Orevba avatar

Babajide Orevba (Sports Editor) Babajide Orevba is a FIFA and CAF-accredited Nigerian journalist, digital publishing expert, researcher, writer and TV analyst. He has covered several major football tournaments, including FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, AFCON, CAF Competitions, as well as grassroots competitions in Africa. Email: babajide.orevba@corp.legit.ng

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