UEFA Champions League: outstanding Boniface breaks 15-year record in Bodø Glimt victory

The Nigerian striker continued with his rich form, helping the Norwegian champions to a resounding victory 

Nigerian striker Victor Boniface scored a hattrick to fire Bodø Glimt to a 3-0 victory over Klaksvik in the UEFA Champions League preliminaries. His feat makes him the first player to score a hattrick for a Norwegian club since 2007.

Bodø Glimt began their journey to the Champions League group stages with a tie at home to Faroe Island side Klaksvik.

The Norwegian side were favorites to claim the victory, and they proved their mettle on the night.

Boniface struck early in the 11th minute with a well-placed shot from close range to put Bodø Glimt in front.

The Norwegians did not take their foot off the gas, as they kept pushing for more goals and had their visitors pegged back.

Their game plan yielded fruits in the 31st minute, as Ola Solbakken played a superb pass onto the path of Boniface. And the Nigerian striker finished with aplomb, beating Mathias Rosenorn with a shot to the bottom right corner.

Boniface then got his hattrick, as he put his side three goals to the good with a well-taken penalty.

The 21-year-old was taken off in the 76th minute for Runar Espejord.

Boniface’s hattrick was the first from an Eliteserien player since Abdou Razak Traore’s hattrick for Rosenborg in August 2007.

The Nigerian striker is yet to feature for the Super Eagles.

Bodø Glimt travel to Faroe Island for the second leg next Tuesday.