Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface made a triumphant return to club football with a crucial goal as Bayer Leverkusen secured a 3-1 victory over Bochum at the BayArena on Saturday.
Boniface, who had been struggling to secure consistent game time since his return from an injury setback in January, showcased his sharpness in front of goal by scoring in the 60th minute. The Nigerian forward expertly converted a well-placed cross from Piero Hincapié, restoring Leverkusen’s lead after Bochum had pulled level before halftime.
The home side had initially taken the lead in the 20th minute when Spanish midfielder Alex García found the back of the net with a well-timed finish. However, their advantage was short-lived as Felix Passlack capitalized on a defensive lapse to equalize for Bochum just before the break, sending both teams into halftime on equal footing.
Determined to maintain their impressive form in the Bundesliga title race, Leverkusen pushed forward in search of a decisive goal. Boniface’s moment of brilliance in the 60th minute reignited their momentum, and the team continued to press their opponents in the final third. Their efforts were ultimately rewarded in the closing stages of the game when Moroccan forward Amine Adli put the result beyond doubt with a composed finish, sealing a 3-1 win for Xabi Alonso’s side.
With this victory, Bayer Leverkusen remains firmly in contention for the Bundesliga title, keeping the pressure on their closest rivals, Bayern Munich, at the summit of the league table. The team has been in remarkable form this season, displaying both attacking prowess and defensive resilience under Alonso's guidance.
Boniface’s goal marked his 11th strike of the season in 23 appearances, further underlining his importance to Leverkusen’s attacking setup. The Nigerian forward will now look to build on this impressive performance and continue contributing to his club’s title ambitions as the Bundesliga campaign enters its decisive phase.