Victor Boniface makes strong return with goal, Gift Orban also on target

By Monsurah Olatunji

It was a thrilling Nigerian affair at the BayArena on Sunday as Bayer Leverkusen secured a 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, with both Victor Boniface and Gift Orban getting on the scoresheet.

Boniface returned strongly to action after a three-month injury layoff, marking his comeback with a well-taken goal.

The 24-year-old, sidelined amid a transfer saga to Saudi Arabia, started the match and gave the hosts the lead in the 15th minute.

He latched onto a perfect pass from Alejandro Grimaldo on the edge of the six-yard box and slotted the ball past Hoffenheim goalkeeper Luca Philipp to make it 1-0.

Four minutes later, Jeremie Frimpong doubled Leverkusen’s advantage, and Patrik Schick added a third shortly after halftime, replacing Boniface at the break.

Despite the comfortable lead, Leverkusen’s momentum was briefly halted in the 61st minute when Grimaldo was sent off following a second yellow card.

However, the hosts remained in control, and shortly after the red card, Orban, who had been substituted on, scored just a minute into his appearance, further sealing the victory.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen suffered another setback as Nathan Tella was forced off with an injury.

The win propelled defending champions Leverkusen to 45 points after 20 matches, keeping the pressure on leaders Bayern Munich, who hold a six-point advantage at the top of the table.