Nigeria’s Victor Boniface endured another frustrating outing for Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, extending his goalless run to three games in a 0-0 draw against Union Berlin.
The 24-year-old was a doubt after missing training midweek but came off the bench in the 74th minute, replacing Alejandro Grimaldo as Leverkusen searched for a winner. However, his impact was minimal in a result that further dented the club’s fading Bundesliga title hopes.
In his 16-minute cameo, Boniface completed just 4 of 7 passes (57%), had 9 touches, and failed to register a shot. His expected assists (xA) stood at just 0.01, reflecting his limited involvement in the final third.
The Super Eagles forward attempted two dribbles, one successful, and was involved in five duels, winning just one. He also lost possession four times and committed one foul.
Boniface and Leverkusen's title defence fading
Leverkusen remain mathematically in the title race with 63 points from 29 matches, but Bayern Munich, five points ahead with a game in hand, look firmly in control. Should the defending champions win their next fixture, they could move eight points clear with five matches to play.
Boniface’s dry spell now includes matches against Bielefeld (DFB Pokal), Heidenheim, and Union Berlin. The capital club continues to frustrate him, he’s yet to score in three Bundesliga games against them.
They are one of six teams he hasn’t scored against since arriving in Germany, although he did net twice and assist twice against them in the Europa League during his time at Union Saint-Gilloise.
Despite this recent dip in form, Boniface remains an important figure for Xabi Alonso’s side, with 10 goals and one assist across all competitions so far this season.
