Super Eagles duo Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella have etched their names into the history books by helping Bayer Leverkusen clinch the DFL Supercup in dramatic fashion. Leverkusen secured the trophy with a penalty shootout victory over last year’s Bundesliga runners-up, VfB Stuttgart, in front of a packed BayArena.
The match began on a high note for Die Werkself, with Boniface opening the scoring in the 11th minute. The Nigerian forward capitalized on a well-worked team move to give Leverkusen an early lead. However, Stuttgart responded swiftly, leveling the score with a stunning long-range effort from Enzo Millot in the 18th minute. The momentum seemed to shift further in Stuttgart's favor when Martin Terrier was sent off in the 37th minute, leaving Leverkusen with a numerical disadvantage.
Despite the early substitution of Boniface for Jonathan Tah in the 41st minute, Stuttgart took the lead in the 63rd minute through Deniz Undav’s tap-in.
Leverkusen, known for their resilience, pushed for an equalizer and found it late in the game when Patrik Schick scored in the 88th minute to send the match to penalties.
Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface go into Nigeria’s history books
In the ensuing shootout, Leverkusen emerged victorious, winning 4-3 after Stuttgart’s Frans Krätzig and Silas missed their spot kicks. The win not only secured the Supercup for Leverkusen but also extended their domestic unbeaten streak, which dates back to May 27, 2023.
With this victory, Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface have become the only Nigerian footballers to have won all domestic trophies available in Germany.
Following their Bundesliga and DFB Pokal triumphs last season, the Supercup win adds another accolade to their growing collection. While other Nigerian players have enjoyed success in Germany, none have achieved the domestic treble like Tella and Boniface.
As the new season unfolds, the Nigerian duo will be eager to inspire Leverkusen to more silverware, continuing their impressive run of form in German football.
