Victor Boniface: Leverkusen coach Alonso explains why Super Eagles striker is warming the bench

Bayer Leverkusen boss, Xabi Alonso, passes some instructions for Victor Boniface. (Photo Credit: Bayer/X)

FOOTBALL Victor Boniface: Leverkusen coach Alonso explains why Super Eagles striker is warming the bench

Victor Boniface: Leverkusen coach Alonso explains why Super Eagles striker is warming the bench

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 10:08 - 22.05.2024

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has explained why Nigeria Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has started fewer matches since his return from injury.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has addressed concerns over Super Eagles star Victor Boniface's reduced playing time since his return from injury.

The 23-year-old Nigerian international suffered a three-month injury layoff, which saw him miss Nigeria’s run to the AFCON 2023 final with the Super Eagles.

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Alonso on Super Eagles’ Boniface

Since his return in early April, Boniface has started just three matches out of his 12 appearances for the Bundesliga historic champions.

Ahead of Leverkusen's Europa League final showdown against Atalanta on Wednesday, Alonso provided an explanation for Boniface's current bench role.

Victor Boniface has started just 3 of his last 12 matches for Bayer Leverkusen.
Victor Boniface has started just 3 of his last 12 matches for Bayer Leverkusen.

"It's a good question," Alonso began, addressing the concerns of Nigerian fans according to a video by Nigerian journalist Oma.

"But for sure, after the injury it takes time. But, of course, we have a wide squad (at Leverkusen), we have so many players and all of them want to be on the pitch."

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso says the club his helping Victor Boniface manage his health
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso says the club his helping Victor Boniface manage his health | Imago

The Spanish tactician went on to encourage Boniface to seize his opportunities and prove his worth to the coach.

"For sure, I like when someone is not playing and shows his character to prove (to me) 'coach, you were wrong, I had to be on the pitch.' So, that's the challenge, that's the professional,” he added.

Victor Boniface and his Bayer Leverkusen teammates enjoy their title celebrations with beer.
Victor Boniface pours beer on his Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso as they enjoy their title celebrations. (Photo Credit: Bayer Leverkusen/X)

“I am happy with Boniface, you know the impact that he has had this year for us - he has helped us so much and we are helping him too to be back on track. So, tell your people from Nigeria that we are happy with him."

With Leverkusen's season reaching a critical juncture, Boniface will be hoping to regain his place in the starting XI and help the club secure European glory in the Europa League final.

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The Super Eagles star netted an incredible 14 goals and assisted eight more in just 18 starts to fire Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title and finish the season as the first German side to go undefeated.

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Bayer Leverkusen Victor Okoh Boniface