Alonso: ‘I’m now expecting the best from Boniface’

After what looks like a slow start, Victor Boniface is back scoring again as the Nigerian netted a brace and bagged an assist in Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-1 win at Hoffenheim at the weekend and his coach believes the Super Eagle can do more.

“It was very important for his confidence and mood. I’m now expecting the best from ‘Boni’. It’s always difficult for defenders to play against him [but] he can and must do more.

‘He knows it and the team needs it,’ Alonso was quoted as saying by Bundesliga.com.

The Bayer Leverkusen boss can feel confident that there is indeed more to come from the 23-year-old, who in footballing terms is entering what should be his prime years.

Boniface joined Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2023. One short season later he had displaced Patrik Schick as Die Werkself’s first-choice striker before firing Bayer to a Bundesliga and DFB Cup double.

According to the website, the Nigerian had averaged 17 shots on goal across the first three matchdays, four more than any other player.