Victor Boniface returned to Bayer Leverkusen with a bang after another uneventful international break with Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Super Eagles striker, who saw limited action during Nigeria’s recent matches, wasted no time making an impact on his return to club football.

The 24-year-old forward found the net in Leverkusen’s 3-1 victory over Bochum at the BayArena on Friday, marking a triumphant comeback. His goal helped the Bundesliga champions maintain their strong position at the top of the table as they continue their title defense under coach Xabi Alonso.

Boniface endured a frustrating international window, playing just nine minutes across two games as Nigeria picked up four points against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Despite his talent and goal-scoring abilities, he was left on the bench for the majority of both matches, leading to disappointment among fans eager to see him shine for the national team.

However, back in Germany, the striker wasted no time reminding everyone of his quality. In his first Bundesliga start in seven matches, he delivered a lively performance, proving why he remains a key player for Leverkusen.

Boniface and Schick: A New Attacking Partnership?

For the first time in months, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso decided to start Boniface alongside Czech forward Patrik Schick. The tactical shift paid off handsomely, as the duo provided a dynamic attacking presence that troubled Bochum’s defense throughout the game.

The match got off to an exciting start when Alejandro Grimaldo put Leverkusen ahead with a stunning 20th-minute curler. However, Bochum responded quickly, equalizing through Felix Passlack’s brilliant volley in the 26th minute, setting up a tense battle for the remainder of the first half.

Despite dominating possession, Leverkusen struggled to break through Bochum’s compact defense. However, after the restart, Boniface made his presence felt.

The Goal That Announced His Return

On the hour mark, Boniface pounced from close range after Piero Hincapié’s flick off a Grimaldo free-kick, slotting the ball past the Bochum goalkeeper. The goal was initially checked by VAR, but after a brief review, it was confirmed, allowing the striker to celebrate his long-awaited return to the scoresheet.

He nearly doubled his tally in the 80th minute following a perfectly threaded pass from Granit Xhaka and a Jeremie Frimpong assist. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, denying Boniface a brace on the night.

Leverkusen continued to press forward, and their persistence paid off when Amine Adli capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 87th minute to secure the victory with a well-taken goal, giving the Bundesliga leaders a comfortable cushion.

A Tale of Two Performances

Boniface’s performance against Bochum was a stark contrast to his recent outings with Nigeria. While he struggled to make an impact in the Super Eagles' World Cup qualifiers, he looked sharp, hungry, and full of energy in Leverkusen’s attacking setup.

For Super Eagles supporters, it’s a familiar frustration—an immense talent yet to fully shine on the international stage. While he continues to be a dominant force in the Bundesliga, questions remain over his role and usage in the national team setup.

As Leverkusen continues their campaign in multiple competitions, Boniface’s return to form is a timely boost. With crucial matches ahead, both in the Bundesliga and in Europe, Alonso will be counting on him to deliver more decisive moments.

For now, Leverkusen fans will relish his latest contribution, while Nigerian supporters will hope his club form translates to greater success on the international stage in the near future.