Victor Boniface made a triumphant return from injury, netting a crucial goal as Bayer Leverkusen secured a 2-0 victory over West Ham in the Europa League quarter-final first leg.
His entrance into the game signaled a turning point, with Jonas Hofmann breaking the deadlock in the 83rd minute with a powerful volley.
Hofmann then provided the assist for Boniface’s goal in the 91st minute, sealing a significant advantage for Xabi Alonso’s side heading into the second leg.
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With Leverkusen on the brink of Bundesliga glory, Boniface could potentially lift the title this weekend against Werder Bremen or in the upcoming clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Sitting comfortably atop the league table, Leverkusen only need one more win to secure the championship, a remarkable achievement for a team undefeated throughout the season.
Should Leverkusen clinch the title, Boniface would make history as the first Nigerian player to achieve such a feat in the German topflight, surpassing the likes of Jay Jay Okocha, Jonathan Akpoborie, Sunday Oliseh, and Victor Agali.
Despite facing injury setbacks, the 23-year-old has been a standout performer for Alonso’s squad, tallying 17 goals and nine assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
His absence during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was felt by the Nigerian team, who narrowly lost the final to hosts Cote d’Ivoire. Many believe that with Boniface in the lineup, Nigeria could have emerged victorious.
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