Soccer
Viktor Boniface for Bayer Leverkusen. (Photo by Imago)
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface played his first game for Bayer Leverkusen since returning to the club in July, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian marksman spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen, but he was restricted by injury problems throughout his time there. After a grueling year, he returned to Leverkusen this July.
Boniface was the first player to report to the club for pre-season training, making a clear statement of intent regarding his future.
Bayer Leverkusen returned to action on Saturday afternoon for a friendly game against Baumberg, a side competing in the fifth tier of German football.
Die Werkself were expected to make light work of their opponents, and they did exactly that. Although the friendly was played over 70 minutes rather than the standard 90, the former Bundesliga champions still managed to net seven goals.
Boniface did not start the match, as the new Bayer Leverkusen coach, Carles Martínez, opted to use two different starting elevens for the first and second halves.
By the end of the first half, Leverkusen were already leading by three goals, courtesy of strikes from Afonso Moreira, who netted twice, and Christian Kofane.
Victor Boniface entered the fray for the second half and immediately joined in compounding Baumberg’s defensive woes. He scored the fourth and fifth goals for his side.
Both goals were similar, as he showcased his striker’s instinct and pace to connect with two low crosses and find the back of the net.
Fellow Super Eagles star Nathan Tella also featured in the second half alongside Boniface and got on the scoresheet, pouncing on a rebound to turn the ball home from close range.
Robert Andrich joined the scoring spree as well, striking a wicked effort from outside the box to further extend the lead.
This 7-0 win was only their first outing, and Bayer Leverkusen are now set to face Offenbach next Saturday. They also have fixtures against Sevilla, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest scheduled for next month.
Boniface will hope to maintain his scoring form as he battles Patrik Schick and Kofane for a starting spot in the striker’s position.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
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