Bundesliga: Boniface scores twice, provide assist as Bayer Leverkusen bounce back

By Wale Mustapha

Nigeria striker Victor Boniface ended his goal drought with a standout performance during the international break as Bayer Leverkusen secured a 4-1 away win against TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday.

Boniface, who had been unable to find the net in Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, made a decisive impact for Leverkusen.

He set up Martin Terrier for the opening goal with a precise low cross, then scored his first goal of the match in the 30th minute, finishing off a pass from Granit Xhaka with the Hoffenheim goalkeeper stranded.

Hoffenheim pulled one back before halftime when Mergim Berisha netted a powerful shot from a cutback by Andrej Kramaric.

Leverkusen restored their two-goal cushion in the 72nd minute when Florian Wirtz converted a penalty awarded for a handball in the Hoffenheim box.

Boniface sealed the victory with a late goal, turning in a brilliant assist from Jonathan Frimpong, adding the final touch to a comprehensive win.

With this performance, Boniface now has two goals and one assist in three league appearances. The result also moved Leverkusen into fourth place in the league table, pending the outcomes of the remaining fixtures.