Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has explained his hasty decision to start Victor Boniface in their match against Hoffenheim.
Boniface recently returned from a three-month injury and started for Leverkusen in their 3-1 win over Hoffenheim.
The Super Eagles star made his presence felt by scoring the opening goal of the game in the 15th minute.
The striker extended his goal tally to seven in all competitions despite being out injured for some months.
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14:07 - 31.01.2025
‘I am happy’ - Leverkusen manager welcomes Boniface back to the team following failed Al Nassr move
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has stated that Victor Boniface, the striker for the Super Eagles, will start training immediately.
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20:30 - 02.02.2025
He's back: Victor Boniface returns with a bang to fire Leverkusen past Orban's Hoffenheim
Victor Boniface celebrated his first goal of the year on his first start for Bayer Leverkusen since December last year.
Alonso explains Boniface's decision
Xabi Alonso, the manager of Leverkusen, saw the choice to start Boniface as a significant turning point for the striker.
According to Kicker, he said, “I always have trust. It was an important moment for him after his injury. The situation last week was a bit strange, unpleasant. It was important that he felt important again, felt the love of the fans, that’s important for the mind.”
Boniface's comeback coincides with his transfer speculations, linking him with a move to Al Nassr.
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The 24-year-old was on the verge of completing his move to the Saudi Arabian side, but the deal fell through.
Instead, they chose to back out of the Boniface deal and sign Jon Duran, a standout for Aston Villa, leaving the Nigerian international to stay in Germany.