Bayer Leverkusen vs Hoffenheim: Gift Orban scores again, but Victor Boniface makes strong comeback after Saudi disappointment

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface made a solid return to action as he scored the opener for Bayer Leverkusen in their 3-1 win over Hoffenheim at BayArena on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.

After missing the last three months due to an injury, Boniface returned to Bayer Leverkusen's starting eleven for their game against Hoffenheim.

The visitors have two Nigerians on their roster, including Gift Orban and Kevin Akproguma, but the latter got a starting shirt.

Bayer Leverkusen were the favourites to win, and they asserted their dominance from the blast of the whistle. It took them just 15 minutes to get the opener, and it was Boniface at the centre of everything.

The former Royale Union SG man received a nice pass from Alejandro Grimaldo on the edge of the six-yard box and struck a one-time shot past Luca Philipp in Hoffenheim's goal to make it 1-0.

Victor Boniface's goal for Bayer Leverkusen.

He's BACKKKK!!!
pic.twitter.com/7Yu7c2Lktz

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) February 2, 2025

Just as Die Kraichgauer were reeling from going a goal down, Leverkusen struck again to make it 2-0 after 19 minutes. This time, through Jeremie Frimpong.

Die Werkself were very effective in the first half, and they took their 2-0 lead into the break. Surprisingly, Boniface did not join Bayer Leverkusen after the break, as Patrik Schick replaced him.

It took the Czech star five minutes to get on the scoresheet, as he got on the end of a rebound in the box and poked the ball into the net to make it 3-0 after 51 minutes. However, Bayer Leverkusen were reduced to 10 men in the 61st minute after Grimaldo was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Nigerian striker Orban was introduced into the game for Hoffenheim in the 62nd minute, and it took him just seconds to get on the scoresheet. The former Gent man got on the end of a pass in the box and turned the ball goalwards to make it 3-1 and set up a frenetic finish.

Unfortunately for Die Kraichgauer, they failed to capitalise on the momentum, as it ended 3-1 after 90 minutes.

Boniface would be delighted to return to the scoresheet after a torrid week that saw his purported transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr fall through due to the club's preference for Jhon Duran. He will look to get more game time in the coming weeks and continue to score.

Meanwhile, Orban has now scored twice in his two games for Hoffenheim. He will hope that his performances can convince coach Ilzer Christian to make him a starter.