Victor Boniface was honoured again at the BayArena ahead of their Group H Europa League game against Qarabag FK.
The Bundesliga side felt it was the right place and time to honour one of their exceptional players – Victor Boniface.
Rumours were making the rounds that the Nigerian striker would not start the game against the Azberjiani side, but all that was set aside, with Victor Boniface named in the squad.
It signalled Xabi Alonso’s intention for the game. The Spaniard wants to wrap up qualification from the group by fielding Boniface. Two more wins from the group will give the Bundesliga side qualification.
Victor Boniface honoured ahead of Europa League game
Just before the game against Qarabag at the BayArena, Victor Boniface was honoured before the home crowd as he lined up with the Bayer Leverkusen class of the Europa League 22/23 Season.
The lineup included two players in the team of the season (Jonathan Tah & Victor Boniface), one young player of the season (Florian Wirtz) and the top scorer (Victor Boniface).
Of the three players, the Nigerian international and Florian Wirtz were in the starting lineup, with Jonathan Tah on the bench. Florian Wirtz made it a momentous occasion, with an early goal to set Die Werkself on the way.
Qarabag did not lie low. They stormed back with a 16th-minute penalty through Bayramov. Bayer Leverkusen stormed back into the lead through Alejandro Grimaldo, who went from provider to scorer in the 29th minute.
Florian got his brace of assists as he laid off for the Nigerian, who made his international debut this year to score the third goal in the 35th minute.
The Bundesliga side finished the first half with a 3-1 lead.
Boniface played only 62 minutes before being replaced by Patrik Schick. He left the game to applause after plodding a goal and assist.
At the time he left the pitch, Bayer Leverkusen were 5-1 up.
Victor Boniface has set the Bundesliga alight
Victor Boniface has proved that Xabi Alonso made the right decision to sign him from Union SG. The Nigerian striker has repaid the faith in him with seven Bundesliga goals and three assists.
Only Serhou Guirassy and Harry Kane have outscored him in the league with 14 and 9 goals, respectively.
The Europa League 2022/23 top scorer has won several awards since arriving in the Bundesliga.
The former Union SG striker won the Bundesliga Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month award in August. He followed that up with the September Rookie of the Month.
He was beaten to the September Player of the Month by VFB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy.
🏆 Two in the Team of the Season
🏆 One Young Player of the season
🏆 And the Top Goalscorer!The #Bayer04 class of the @EuropaLeague 22/23 Season! ⚫️🔴#B04QAR | #Bayer04 #aCROSSeurope #UEL pic.twitter.com/a0kwlI7dZS
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) October 26, 2023
How far can Victor Boniface go?
With his stellar start to the season, Victor Boniface has shown that he has the talent to be a world-beater. If he remains consistent, he will win more laurels.
The striker, who has drawn comparisons to Robert Lewandowski, has an eye for goal and the creativity to supply assists.
Perhaps, we're just seeing the tip of the iceberg from the exceptionally talented Nigerian striker. It's like the Nigerian striker is saying – I'm just warming up.
https://twitter.com/bayer04_en/status/1717626275760579020
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 days ago
