Boniface boosts Leverkusen's recovery bid

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Victor Boniface continued his impressive pre-season resurgence for Bayer Leverkusen with another eye-catching display in Saturday’s 3-1 friendly victory over Kickers Offenbach, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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The Nigerian striker came on at half-time and transformed Leverkusen’s attack with his movement, link-up play and creativity as he played a key role in the Bundesliga club’s second-half comeback.

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Boniface was directly involved in both of Leverkusen’s goals after the break. After controlling the ball expertly and driving into the penalty area, he teed up Jonas Hofmann to put Die Werkself 2-1 ahead. He was again instrumental in the build-up to the third goal, finding Hofmann, whose cross was converted by Afonso Moreira from close range.

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The 25-year-old almost capped his performance with a goal in the 65th minute after combining well with Moreira and Ezequiel Fernández, but his effort from the centre of the box was blocked before it could reach the target.

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The display followed Boniface’s brace in Leverkusen’s opening pre-season victory over Sportfreunde Bamberg, further boosting his chances of playing a prominent role under new head coach Carles Martínez this season.

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After an injury-disrupted loan spell at Werder Bremen which hampered his progress and raised doubts over his long-term future at the club, Boniface appears to be rediscovering the form that made him one of the Bundesliga’s most feared forwards.

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Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes recently praised the striker’s improved physical condition following the Bamberg victory, while reports in Germany say Martínez is keen for Boniface to continue rebuilding his fitness gradually.

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Against Offenbach, the Super Eagles forward showed encouraging signs of that progress, looking sharp in possession, contributing defensively and creating two goals with intelligent, unselfish play.

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Christian Kofane scored Leverkusen’s first-half equaliser and remains another attacking option, but Boniface’s performances in pre-season continue to strengthen his case for a significant role in the club’s 2026/27 campaign.

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