Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has explained his swift decision to start Victor Boniface in their match against Hoffenheim following his three-month injury recovery.
Boniface was catapulted into the starting lineup against Gift Orban’s new team as Leverkusen pushed for the Bundesliga crown.
The Nigerian attacker, who had been sidelined since November due to an injury sustained while on international duty, made his presence felt by scoring the opening goal in the 15th minute.
Boniface scored after a superb assist from Alejandro Grimaldo, with the Nigerian calmly hitting the ball past Hoffenheim goalkeeper Luca Philip into the bottom right corner.
Despite Leverkusen being reduced to ten men following a red card, Boniface’s effort was critical in securing all three points for the Bundesliga club.
Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso saw the choice to start Boniface as a watershed moment for the player.
“I always have trust. It was an important moment for him after his injury. The situation last week was a bit strange, unpleasant,” Alonso said. “It was important that he felt important again, felt the love of the fans, that’s important for the mind.”
Boniface’s return comes at a time when he has been dealing with some off-field concerns, such as speculations about his girlfriend and a rejected transfer to Al Nassr. Despite these distractions, the 24-year-old has managed the issue professionally.
Meanwhile, under coach Eric Chelle, Boniface could be a great asset for Nigeria’s forthcoming international matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, since his goal-scoring form appears to be returning.