Boniface's return delayed: Super Eagles striker watches Leverkusen throwaway two-goal lead

Leverkusen drop two points on the title race with Boniface on the bench.

Boniface's return delayed: Super Eagles striker watches Leverkusen throwaway two-goal lead

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 17:32 - 25.01.2025

Victor Boniface watched from the bench for the second consecutive game after his return to fitness for German champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface remained on the bench as his team faced RB Leipzig in a thrilling Bundesliga encounter that ended in a 3-3 draw. 

This match witnessed a dramatic comeback from Leipzig, who have now frustrated Leverkusen twice this season after trailing by two goals on Saturday.

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Boniface's anticipated return to action has been delayed once again. After being named on the bench for the first time since December during Leverkusen's Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, he was expected to play but ultimately did not feature in the match against Leipzig. 

His absence is particularly notable as he continues to recover from a thigh injury sustained while on international duty with Nigeria in November.

Victor Boniface was on the bench but did not feature. || Imago
Victor Boniface was on the bench but did not feature. || Imago

The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Leverkusen took an early lead with goals from Patrik Schick and Aleix García, putting them ahead 2-0. 

Schick opened the scoring in the 19th minute, capitalising on a rebound after Florian Wirtz hit the post with a brilliant effort. García doubled the lead shortly after, showcasing Wirtz's playmaking skills once again.

Bayer Leverkusen twice took the lead but let it slip away.
Bayer Leverkusen twice took the lead but let it slip away.

However, Leipzig responded emphatically. David Raum scored from a free-kick just before halftime, and an own goal by Edmond Tapsoba levelled the score at 2-2 late in the game, despite initial controversy over the goal being ruled offside before VAR intervened.

This match continued a trend of high-scoring encounters between these two teams, with their last three fixtures yielding a total of 15 goals. 

RB Leipzig deny the champions Leverkusen again.
RB Leipzig deny the champions Leverkusen again.

The intensity and attacking flair displayed by both sides suggest that fans can look forward to more thrilling Bundesliga clashes in the future45.

As for Boniface, his ongoing recovery is crucial for both his club's title defence and Nigeria's upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

His return to full fitness remains a top priority for Leverkusen as they aim to maintain their position near the top of the Bundesliga table