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Nigeria international Victor Boniface was once again left out of Bayer Leverkusen’s lineup, and the Bundesliga champions paid the price, stumbling to a 2-0 home defeat against Werder Bremen, Footynaija.com reports.
It was Bremen’s first Bundesliga win over Leverkusen since March 17, 2019, ending a nine-game winless streak against Xabi Alonso’s side.
Even more impressively, Ole Werner’s men arrived at the BayArena on the back of a five-game losing run but produced a solid performance to claim their ninth league victory of the season.
Victor Boniface winning goal for Bayer Leverkusen in the extra time.
— AfroBallers (@afroballers) February 5, 2025
98’ ⚽️
— Back to back goals from injury #AfroBallers #Boniface pic.twitter.com/P63yk0YoX5
Goals from Justin Njinmah and Romano Schmid secured the win for the visitors, while Leverkusen struggled to create clear chances—a concern made worse by Boniface’s continued absence.
Boniface frozen out again
The Super Eagles striker, who came close to a January move to Al Nassr, appeared to have fallen out of favour following a clash with teammate Emiliano Buendía during Leverkusen’s 4-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt on March 1.
As a result, Xabi Alonso dropped both Boniface and Buendía for the 3-0 defeat at Bayern Munich four days later. However, while Buendía came off the bench in that game, Boniface was left unused.
Last time we hosted Werder Bremen… #B04SVW pic.twitter.com/uPYQa3y5uD
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) March 7, 2025
Against Bremen, Buendía returned to the starting lineup but was subbed off at halftime for Florian Wirtz with Leverkusen already trailing.
Meanwhile, Boniface remained on the bench for the entire match, with Nathan Tella — his fellow Nigerian international — playing the full 90 minutes.
The continued absence of Boniface raises questions about whether he is still being disciplined for his on-field altercation with Buendía.
Chelsea are willing to do “whatever it takes” to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface despite competition from Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle.
— FOOTBALL TALKS (@ChisomIzuw76304) March 8, 2025
Source:@caughtoffside#LaCasaDeLosFamososCol2 #JHOPE #chefc #Transfers pic.twitter.com/0JrBfktFk2
Nigerian connection in Bremen’s win
Werder Bremen’s win also had a Nigerian connection, as Felix Agu and Justin Njinmah—both of Nigerian descent and still eligible for the Super Eagles—featured in the game.
Agu played the full 90 minutes, while Njinmah came off the bench after the hour mark and sealed the victory with Bremen’s second goal deep in stoppage time.
