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Victor Boniface’s unexpected Bayer Leverkusen renaissance continued on Saturday as the Nigerian striker impressed during a 3-1 pre-season friendly victory over Kickers Offenbach. Boniface entered at half-time and immediately added greater dynamism to Leverkusen’s attack. The 25-year-old appeared agile, operated effectively in tight spaces and repeatedly attempted to bring his teammates into play.
The striker was involved in both of Leverkusen’s second-half goals. After controlling possession cleanly and advancing into the penalty area, Boniface supplied Jonas Hofmann for the goal that handed die Werkself a 2-1 lead. Boniface later found Hofmann again in the build-up to the third. Hofmann crossed for Afonso Moreira, who finished from close range.
The Nigerian nearly added a goal of his own in the 65th minute. After combining with Moreira and Ezequiel Fernández, Boniface saw a central effort blocked shortly before it reached the target.
Victor Boniface continues to impress in pre-season
Boniface’s performance followed his brace in Leverkusen’s opening pre-season victory over Sportfreunde Bamberg.
As noted in a recent Get German Football News article, Boniface returned to his parent club after a disastrous loan spell with Werder Bremen. His estimated market value fell from €40m to €5m over the course of approximately 15 months as injuries, fitness problems and off-field distractions threatened to derail his Bundesliga career.
Managing director Simon Rolfes praised Boniface’s improved physical condition after the Bamberg friendly. Newly appointed head coach Carles Martínez also emphasized that the striker must continue rebuilding his fitness gradually.
Boniface’s display against Offenbach supplied another encouraging sign. He looked light on his feet, participated in defensive work and created two goals without playing selfishly.
Christian Kofane headed home Leverkusen’s first-half equalizer and remains another option in attack. Boniface nevertheless continues to make a strong case for an unexpectedly prominent role in the coming campaign.
What initially appeared to be a temporary return to Leverkusen is increasingly beginning to resemble a genuine sporting comeback.
