Victor Boniface marked a remarkable return to action on Saturday, scoring in Bayer Leverkusen’s intense 2-2 Bundesliga draw with Werder Bremen, just days after surviving a serious car accident.
Despite missing Leverkusen’s midweek UEFA Champions League clash against Stade Brest, Boniface returned to top form against Bremen.
The 23-year-old didn’t just show up — he led from the front, pushing Bremen’s defence to its limits, and also scored in a very entertaining game.
Victor Boniface frustration surfaces after substitution
Boniface’s emotional return to the pitch, however, included a flash of frustration. Coach Xabi Alonso opted to substitute him in the 70th minute for Patrik Schick, aiming to bring fresh energy into the attack as Bayer held a narrow 1-0 lead.
This decision didn’t sit well with Boniface, who visibly protested the substitution.
Reports stated he was engaged in a “heated exchange” with Alonso, showing his eagerness to continue in the game.
But for Alonso, the reaction was simply the mark of a dedicated player who wants to stay on the field.
“That’s normal; all players want to keep playing,” Alonso explained after the game. “He did well, scored a goal, but we needed a bit more energy.”
Unfazed by the incident, Alonso brushed off concerns of any conflict, responding coolly to further questions with, “Yes, yes, yes… that’s not the problem.”
With his goal on Saturday, his sixth of the season, Boniface has demonstrated both resilience and commitment, setting the tone for what Leverkusen fans hope will be a successful Bundesliga campaign.
As Alonso and Boniface move past their brief exchange, the Nigerian striker’s return signals a promising outlook for Bayer Leverkusen, whose ambitions to maintain momentum remain strong as they chase Bayern Munich, who are top of the Bundesliga table.
