Boniface suffers thigh injury

Bayer Leverkusen and Nigeria striker Victor Boniface is set to miss “a few games” after returning from international duty with a leg injury, coach Xabi Alonso said Friday. “He’s got a small injury in his thigh muscle, it’s a shame,” Alonso told reporters ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Heidenheim. Nigerian media reported Boniface could miss the remainder of 2024 but Alonso was optimistic the striker would be back soon. “He won’t be there tomorrow or against Salzburg (Champions League). “We hope he will play again this year. We have to wait and see, but it’s not going to be six or eight weeks.” Forward Patrik Schick, who has started just twice in the league this season, is expected to step up in the Nigerian’s absence. “He is always ready — we don’t just need him now, but always.” The defending champions, who did not lose a game in Germany last year on the way to an unbeaten league and cup double, have stuttered this season. Leverkusen are currently in fourth, nine points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. Alonso’s men have dropped 13 points so far this season, one more than the 12 they leaked in the entirety of the last campaign. Boniface is Leverkusen’s highest scorer in the league, with six goals and an assist in 10 games.

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AFCONQ: Eguavoen names Boniface, Iheanacho, benches Osimhen for Rwanda clash

Interim head coach Austin Eguavoen has named Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho to lead the Super Eagles attack against the Amavubis of Rwanda in today’s AFCON 2025 deadrubber qualifying clash. In the absence of Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye will be in goal while Bright Osayi-Samuel, Gabriel Osho, William Troost Ekong are in the heart of defence. Bruno Onyemachi, Frank Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Moses Simon are saddled with midfield role. The substitutes are; Amas Obasogie, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, Victor Osimhen, Sadiq Umar, Jamilu Collins and Samuel Chukwueze. The tie is slated to kick off at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium at 5pm Nigeria time.

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UCL: Boniface misses Brest showdown

Bayer Leverkusen centre-forward Victor Boniface has been ruled out of Champions League clash against Ligue 1 team Stade Brestois 29.  The Nigeria international was involved in a car accident this weekend.  Speaking to the media at Guingamp’s Stade du Roudourou – where Brest are playing their Champions League home games – Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso provided some updates on Boniface. “We learned about his road accident on Sunday morning”, Xabi Alonso said in his press conference transcribed by L’Equipe.  “Fortunately, it wasn’t too serious. He has small cuts on his foot and hand. In a way, he was very lucky. But he hasn’t trained normally since and we’re going to give him a few days to recover from this emotional shock.”  The Spaniard understands that Boniface’s absence will be a matter of days and not weeks. Asked about Brest, who have on their two UCL games so far, against Sturm Graz and Red Bull Salzburg, Xabi Alonso expects a very demanding and intense game against Eric Roy’s Pirates.  “Brest have a very precise idea of ​​their game, it is a very competitive team. They have a lot of desire, but we are ready for that and we will play our football.”

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Boniface survives car crash in Germany

Super Eagles’ striker Victor Boniface has reportedly survived a ghastly car crash in Germany. The Bayer Leverkusen of Germany player posted a video of the damaged car on his Instagram Stories on Sunday. The unfortunate incident occurred after the striker, who has been in scintillating form since joining the German club in the summer of 2023, scored the winning goal for his team as the Bundesliga champions secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at the BayArena on Saturday. The video showed one of Boniface’s hands dripping blood after the crash. In the video, the black car sustained significant damage to the right side, with the body severely affected.

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AFCON 2025 qualifier: Eguaveon unleashes Lookman, Boniface on Libya 

Ballon d’Dor nominee Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface have been listed to lead Super Eagles assaults against Libya in today’s AFCON 2025 qualifier in Uyo.  The duo have been in top forms for their various clubs in Europe.  Lookman’s recent form in the colours Atalanta earned him Ballon d’Or nomination for the Player of the Year award.  Stanley Nwabali retained his place between the sticks for Nigeria. The South African based goalie will get cover from the defence led by William Tristan Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi.  Usual suspects like Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon were assigned the midfield role.  The substitutes are; Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika, Benjamin Tanimu, Taiwo Awoniyi, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidera Ejuke, Fisayo Dele Bashiru, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Alhassan Yusuf and Osayi Samuel.  The tie is slated to kick off at 5pm Nigeria time. 

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Super Eagles’ star Boniface hints at wedding 

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface appeared ready to walk down the aisle with his heart rob.  Though Bayer 04 Leverkusen forward is still keeping the identity of the lucky lady under wraps but he has promised his fans top notch reception.  “On my wedding day people wey Dey post memes go get one canopy,” Boniface assured.  The Nigerian struck late as Bayer 04 Leverkusen twice come from behind to beat VfL Wolfsburg 4-3 in a Bundesliga classic on Sunday.  In the third minute of stoppage time, substitute Boniface produced a moment of magic. Receiving the ball with his back to goal, the Nigerian striker turned and fired a low shot into the bottom corner, sending the BayArena into raptures.  Leverkusen are second on the table and will face off with the league leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday in Munich. 

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Bundesliga: Boniface nets Leverkusen winner in seven-goal thriller

Nigeria’s Victor Boniface struck late as Bayer 04 Leverkusen twice come from behind to beat VfL Wolfsburg 4-3 in a Bundesliga classic.  In the third minute of stoppage time, substitute Boniface produced a moment of magic. Receiving the ball with his back to goal, the Nigerian striker turned and fired a low shot into the bottom corner, sending the BayArena into raptures.  It was a fitting end to an incredible match, showcasing Leverkusen’s never-say-die attitude and their ability to produce in crucial moments.  Leverkusen are second on the table and will face off with the league leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday in Munich. 

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