Boniface’s 93rd-minute heroics secure Bayer Leverkusen’s comeback win against Wolfsburg

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Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface came off the bench to score the winner as Bayer Leverkusen pulled off a thrilling comeback to edge Wolfsburg 4-3 in a dramatic Bundesliga clash on Sunday.

Former Union Saint-Gilloise man Boniface, who replaced Patrik Schick in the 68th minute, netted a stunning 93rd-minute winner.

Despite their fightback, Leverkusen’s performance left much to be desired, as Granit Xhaka expressed frustration with their defending. The Swiss midfielder criticised his team’s naivety, calling the defensive lapses unacceptable.

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Leverkusen endured a nightmare start with an early own goal from Nordi Mukiele in the fourth minute. However, Florian Wirtz equalised minutes later with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box.

Jonathan Tah then headed home to give Leverkusen a brief lead, only for Wolfsburg to respond quickly. Sebastiaan Bornauw leveled before Mattias Svanberg’s solo effort put the visitors ahead just before halftime.

Substitute Piero Hincapie restored parity with a well-placed header from a corner in the 49th minute.

Boniface the difference

At 3-3, coach Xabi Alonso introduced Boniface as Leverkusen pressed for a comeback.

Wolfsburg’s Yannick Gerhardt was sent off in the 88th minute for a reckless challenge on Jeremie Frimpong, leaving the visitors vulnerable. Leverkusen seized the moment, and Boniface, pouncing on a loose ball, smashed in the winner from close range.

The Nigerian striker, who had scored twice in his previous league outing, once again proved decisive. His 93rd-minute strike sparked celebrations and ensured Leverkusen’s hard-fought win.

The 23-year-old acknowledged the challenge Wolfsburg presented but was thrilled to help secure the turnaround. “We knew what to expect, and we did it for our fans,” Boniface said after the match.

Leverkusen now sit level on points with Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt, maintaining their strong start to the season.

Tags: Victor Boniface, Super Eagles, Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Bundesliga, Florian Wirtz, Jonathan Tah, Nordi Mukiele, Piero Hincapie, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcsports, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnigeria.