AFCON 2025
Nigeria international Victor Boniface made an emphatic statement ahead of the new season by scoring twice as Bayer Leverkusen thrashed amateur side Sportfreunde Baumberg 7-0 in a pre-season friendly.
The Super Eagles striker, who returned to Leverkusen after a loan spell at Werder Bremen last season, wasted no time reminding everyone of his quality. Boniface was among the first players to report for pre-season training and carried that sharpness into the club’s opening friendly, producing a clinical brace.
The 25-year-old struggled to make a lasting impact during his time at Werder Bremen, with the Bundesliga side opting against making his move permanent. However, his display against Baumberg suggests he is determined to rediscover the form that made him one of Leverkusen’s standout performers after joining the club three seasons ago.
Fellow Nigerian international Nathan Tella also got on the scoresheet as Leverkusen enjoyed a dominant outing in their first match under new head coach Carles Martínez Novell.
The Spaniard, who was appointed in June on a two-year contract until 2028 following the departure of Kasper Hjulmand, began his reign with a convincing victory as Leverkusen laid down an early marker in pre-season.
Boniface’s performance will be particularly encouraging for both Leverkusen and Nigeria, with the striker aiming to re-establish himself as a key figure for club and country ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
