Super Eagles forwards Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella featured as Bayer Leverkusen suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld in the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday, crashing out of the competition.
Leverkusen started strong, with Jonathan Tah opening the scoring in the 17th minute, suggesting an easy passage for the Bundesliga champions.
However, Bielefeld responded swiftly, equalising just three minutes later through Marius Wörl.
The underdogs took a stunning lead just before half-time, as Maximilian Grosser capitalised on a defensive lapse to put Bielefeld 2-1 ahead, leaving Xabi Alonso’s side stunned.
In search of a breakthrough, Alonso introduced Super Eagles striker Boniface in the second half. However, rather than inspiring a comeback, Leverkusen struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Bielefeld looking more likely to score.
Boniface picked up a yellow card shortly after coming on, as frustration grew within the Leverkusen ranks.
With 13 minutes left, Nigerian winger Nathan Tella was also introduced, but his impact was limited as Bielefeld held on to complete a famous cup upset.
The defeat marks a disappointing end to Leverkusen’s DFB-Pokal campaign, as they now shift focus back to their Bundesliga commitments.
🚨🇩🇪 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | 3rd division side Arminia Bielefeld BEAT Bayer Leverkusen to make the DFB Pokal final! 🏆✨
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) April 1, 2025
They'll play Stuttgart or RB Leipzig in the final…
If they win the final, they'll earn automatic qualification for the 2025-26 Europa League! Wow. 😳🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/Flh8pm4rXB
Victor Boniface vs. Arminia Bielefeld in numbers
Victor Boniface started on the bench but was introduced in the second half, playing 37 minutes.
The Nigerian forward had 24 touches and completed 10 of his 15 attempted passes, recording a 67% accuracy rate.
Boniface failed to register a shot on or off target, but successfully delivered one long ball from three attempts.
In duels, he won one of his two ground duels and was more effective in the air, winning three of his four aerial battles. Despite his efforts, Leverkusen were outclassed by the third-tier side.
