A moment of sheer brilliance from Nigeria forward Victor Boniface decorated Bayer Leverkusen’s resounding 4-0 victory over Feyenoord in their UEFA Champions League fixture on Thursday.
Though the Super Eagles striker was not on the scoresheet, his audacious pass, inspired by Thierry Henry, stole the spotlight. Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, along with Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz, were quick to praise the moment after the match.
In the 30th minute, with Leverkusen already leading 1-0, Boniface executed a move reminiscent of the iconic Henry.
Feinting a pass with his right foot, he deftly flicked the ball with his left to teammate Jeremie Frimpong, who then squared it for Alejandro Grimaldo to slot home. It was a piece of skill that left Feyenoord’s defense bewildered.
‘Best in the world' Victor Boniface
Speaking after the game, Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso admitted the move was entirely spontaneous. “I had nothing to do with it. That’s his quality and a Boni trick,” he told DAZN.
Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka echoed the sentiment, but included a note of caution for Victor Boniface.
“It’s nothing new for us because he does it often in training. If it works, we’re happy. If it doesn’t, he has to keep his actions a bit simpler,” he said.
“Of course, that’s brutally difficult for the opponent. What is he doing? Is he going to the other foot? Is he playing the ball after all?”
Florian Wirtz, who scored twice and earned the Man of the Match award, also weighed in on Boniface’s signature move, noting the striker's unmatched skill.
“That’s his signature move. He’s the best at it in the world of football. He can do extraordinary things with the ball,” said Wirtz.
