Nigerian striker Victor Boniface was on the scoresheet on Saturday, as Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen finished their season unbeaten with a 2-1 win over Augsburg in a hard-fought game at the BayArena
Boniface was named in the starting XI for the last game of the season, and he looked sharp in the early exchanges as his team looked to make history.
After a chance at the start, he deservedly put his side ahead in the 12th minute, thanks to an assist from Amine Adli, sparking celebrations in the stands.
The goal was a fitting reward for his energetic start, and demonstrated his finishing ability as it was his fourth Bundesliga goal since returning from a three-month injury layoff.
Leverkusen were completely dominant after the Nigerian's goal, and could have added more through Jeremie Frimpong and Robert Andrich who squandered the chances that came their way.
The team's control of the game was evident, as they created several scoring opportunities and kept the pressure on Augsburg's defense.
Leverkusen eventually got their second goal after a sustained attack on the Augsburg defense.
The ball bubbled in the box, and Andrich scored with an audacious back-heel, making it look like the champions were going to run away with the game.
This goal highlighted Leverkusen's attacking prowess and creativity in the final third.
The champions went into the break with a lead, but the visitors started the second half as the better of the two sides and were duly rewarded.
Augsburg pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute through Mert Komur, making it 2-1 and opening up the game which gave the visitors the confidence to push forward, increasing the intensity of the match.
Boniface was substituted in the 63rd minute for Patrik Schick, as Xabi Alonso made changes early in the second half to hold on to the lead and finish the season unbeaten.
Boniface's compatriot, Nathan Tella, was dressed for the game but did not make an appearance.
Despite Augsburg’s valiant efforts, they could not break down Leverkusen’s defense as Xabi Alonso’s men ended the season unbeaten, creating a new record as the only German team to go the full length of the season without a loss.
They scored a whopping 91 goals and conceded only 25 in their unbeaten run, showcasing both their offensive and defensive strengths.
Nigerian striker Victor Boniface ended his first season for the club in the Bundesliga with an impressive tally of 14 goals from 23 matches.
Incredible debut campaign for Victor Boniface
In all competitions, the 23-year-old scored 21 goals in 33 games and provided 10 assists, despite missing three months of the season due to injury.
Earlier this week, he was voted the Rookie of the Year for the 2023/24 Bundesliga season, capping a wonderful debut season for him in Germany.
This accolade reflected his significant impact and contribution to the team's success.
Boniface and Leverkusen will now turn their attention to the final of the UEFA Europa League, where they will face Atalanta at the Dublin Arena on 22 May.
Three days later, Boniface will be back in another cup final, this time in the DFB Pokal against Kaiserslautern at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on 25 May.
The striker missed the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast due to injury as Nigeria finished on the podium, but will savour the chance to link up with the Super Eagles again for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin next month.
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