Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface was on the scoresheet as Bayer Leverkusen claimed a 3-1 victory over Bochum at the BayArena on Friday night.
The Nigerian striker, who had been restricted to substitute appearances in recent weeks, was handed a rare start by Xabi Alonso. Tasked with leading the line alongside Patrik Schick, Boniface seized the opportunity to impress.
His goal ended a frustrating eight-game scoring drought, a much-needed confidence boost for both player and club as Leverkusen continue their push for silverware.
With playmaker Florian Wirtz sidelined due to injury, Alonso turned to a two-striker system, pairing Boniface and Schick for the first time this season.
Victor Boniface’s partnership with Schick & implications for Nigeria
Boniface’s success in a front two could have wider ramifications beyond Leverkusen. His ability to combine effectively with Schick challenges the notion that he cannot play alongside Victor Osimhen in the Super Eagles setup.
Nigeria’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, has expressed a preference for a two-man strike force, typically employing a 4-3-1-2 diamond formation. This system emphasizes control in midfield while relying on full-backs for width and two forwards to spearhead the attack.
During the last international break, Boniface saw minimal action, managing just three minutes over two matches. He remained an unused substitute against Rwanda and was introduced late against Zimbabwe. Chelle opted for Moses Simon (naturally a winger) to partner Osimhen, with Ademola Lookman playing in a deeper role behind them.
With crucial fixtures ahead, including the resumption of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, there is a growing case for the 24-year-old to feature prominently. If both he and Osimhen are fit for Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies in June, Chelle may have the perfect opportunity to experiment with a partnership that could define the Super Eagles’ attacking approach.
Crucial tests before World Cup Qualifiers resume
The Super Eagles are set to participate in a four-nation tournament in England this June, a key phase in their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers. The tournament will see Nigeria face England, Ghana, and Jamaica.
Currently, Nigeria finds itself in a precarious position in Group C of the qualifiers. Sitting fourth with seven points from six matches, the Super Eagles face an uphill battle to secure automatic qualification, which is reserved for the group winners.
With competitive fixtures looming, Boniface’s resurgence at club level comes at the perfect time. If his link-up play with Schick at Leverkusen continues to flourish, it may serve as a blueprint for Nigeria’s attack.
