Boniface eyes historic title with Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface says he is looking forward to helping his team record a win against Werder Bremen at home, which will see them crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time in the club’s history.

The 23-year-old striker came off the bench late on to score with a trademark header in stoppage time for Bayer Leverkusen, who beat West Ham 2-0 in a UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg in Leverkusen on Thursday.

The goal was his first in 2024 and his 17th in 26 games across all competition, following a four-month injury layoff.

Boniface goal-scoring prowess is proving invaluable to Bayer Leverkusen as they march towards a potential historic Bundesliga title.

In January, Boniface suffered a muscle tendon injury in the right adductor area during Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations pre-tournament camping in Dubai.

“I am looking forward to helping my team any time I am called upon,” Boniface said.

“We have a game on Sunday (against Werder Bremen), which is a big game for us.”

Leverkusen who are still unbeaten after 42 games this season, currently lead the Bundesliga by 16 points over second-placed Bayern Munich. He also expressed delight overcoming the challenges posed by his recent injury setback after the surgery.

“It was not easy being injured for two or three months.

“I missed a lot of games, and I am still trying to come back,” Boniface said.

“I feel good, I feel happy to be playing football again. I am happy to come and help my team.”

West Ham held out against Bundesliga table-toppers Bayer Leverkusen before subs Jonas Hofmann and Boniface made the difference in the closing minutes.

“We played West Ham in pre-season, and so we know the type of game they play,” he said.

“The important thing was to be patient, play our style, and convert our chances when they came.”