Boniface will be out of action for the next three months, but Tella turned up clutch for Die Werkself in their encounter at the Red Bull Atena
Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella scored for Bayer Leverkusen in their 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena, Soccernet.ng reports.
Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen travelled to the Red Bull Arena to take on RB Leipzig on Saturday. Die Werkself have been in impressive form this season, but the game against RB Leipzig was another test of their trophy credentials because the Red Bulls are a top side in the Bundesliga.
Coach Xabi Alonso did not have the services of his star man, Victor Boniface, who was ruled out of Nigeria's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations team because of an injury.
However, Czech Republic talisman Patrik Schick took Boniface’s spot in the starting eleven. Nigerian forward Tella started the game from the bench. But Arthur scored the first goal in the 7th minute via Xavi Simons.
Luckily for Tella, he was introduced into the game in the 31st minute following an injury to Jeremie Frimpong. He eventually turned up clutch in the 47th minute, as he scored the equalizer for Bayer Leverkusen. He received an easy ball from Alex Grimaldo in the box and fire
d a wicked shot into Leipzig's net.
However, Lois Openda replied nine minutes later with a goal to give RB Leipzig the lead again. The game was end to end, as both teams went for it, but Leverkusen had the slight upper hand. Then, they drew level again via Jonathan Tah in the 63rd minute.
It looked like the game was going to end in a draw, but Piero Hincapie had other ideas as he converted a cross with aplomb to seal a 3-2 win for Xabi Alonso's men, to put a six-point gap between them and Bayern Munich, who sit second.
Tella had a great game, aside from his goal, he had a 92% pass accuracy, three tackles, and 42 touches.
It seems Leverkusen won the game by 3:2.