He's back: Victor Boniface returns with a bang to fire Leverkusen past Orban's Hoffenheim
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Comrade Boniface returns to action for Bayer Leverkusen. || Imago

He's back: Victor Boniface returns with a bang to fire Leverkusen past Orban's Hoffenheim

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 20:30 - 02.02.2025

Victor Boniface celebrated his first goal of the year on his first start for Bayer Leverkusen since December last year.

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface made a spectacular return to Bayer Leverkusen, scoring his first goal of the year in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim.

This match was his first start since December, following a frustrating period on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

The excitement at the BayArena was palpable as Boniface quickly made his presence felt. Just 20 minutes into the match, he capitalised on a defensive error from Hoffenheim's Jurasek.

After the ball was gifted away, Leverkusen swiftly transitioned, with Alejandro Grimaldo delivering a precise pass into the box. Boniface unleashed a powerful shot that found the far corner of the net, igniting celebrations among fans and teammates.

Victor Boniface with a winning return for Leverkusen.
Victor Boniface with a winning return for Leverkusen.

Leverkusen continued to assert their dominance after halftime when Patrik Schick, who came on as a substitute, extended their lead to 3-0 just six minutes after his introduction.

However, the match took a tense turn when Grimaldo received a second yellow card, leaving Leverkusen with ten men. This gave Hoffenheim a glimmer of hope, and they punished the champions with the subsequent free-kick taken by the other Nigerian on the pitch Orban.

Gift Orban managed a consolation for Hoffenhiem.

Despite the late pressure from Hoffenheim and some heated moments on the pitch, Leverkusen held firm to secure all three points. The match not only witnessed Boniface's return but also reinforced Leverkusen's position in the Bundesliga standings as they continue to pile pressure on leaders Bayern Munich.

With this win, Leverkusen fans are hopeful that Boniface can stay fit and contribute significantly as they aim for success in both domestic and European competitions.

Boniface returns with a bang.

After overcoming injury setbacks and transfer speculation surrounding a potential move to Al-Nassr, Boniface's performance against Hoffenheim signals his commitment to Leverkusen and his determination to make an impact moving forward.