Boniface sets new record in Bayer Leverkusen’s draw with Holstein Kiel

• Bayer Leverkusen’s forward Victor Boniface scores his fastest Bundesliga goal in the 4th minute
• Jonas Hofmann added a second goal for Leverkusen in the 8th minute
• Victor Boniface will turn his attention to Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers against Libya slated on October 11 and 15

Super Eagles star forward Victor Boniface continued his impressive form for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring in just the fourth minute of their 2-2 draw with Holstein Kiel on matchday six of the Bundesliga. 

The early strike, which marked the Nigerian striker's quickest goal in the league, beating his previous record of nine minutes from Leverkusen’s dominant 4-1 win over Heidenheim in September.

The goal came from a swift counter-attack initiated by Boniface himself, he linked up with Granit Xhaka in the defensive third, who then found the forward run of Florian Wirtz. Wirtz manoeuvred through the opposition before setting up Exequiel Palacios, whose pass allowed Boniface to smash home from close range.

Leverkusen’s lead was quickly extended in the 8th minute when Jonas Hofmann capitalised on an intercepted pass from Holstein Kiel’s goalkeeper, Timon Weiner. Palacios provided the assist, and Hofmann finished with authority to make it 2-0.

Boniface looked set to add a second goal to his tally in the 27th minute, calmly sliding the ball past Weiner, only for VAR to rule the goal offside. Holstein Kiel fought back just before the break, with Max Geschwill heading in a corner from Lewis Holtby to keep the game alive.

The drama continued in the second half, as Fiete Arp equalised from the penalty spot after Jeremie Frimpong fouled Armin Gigović in the box. Boniface, who had been a constant threat, was replaced by Patrick Schick in the 70th minute, but despite the fresh legs, Leverkusen couldn’t reclaim the lead, leaving them to rue another missed opportunity for victory.

Leverkusen missed the chance to go level on points with leader Bayern Munich and instead sits fifth. Alonso’s men have now dropped seven points from winning positions in the Bundesliga, with only Bochum and Wolfsburg, both eight, losing more.

With his strong start to the season, Boniface has been called up to the Nigerian national team for their AFCON qualifiers against Libya, which will take place next week, October 11 and 15. 

Few days after announcing N2m giveaway for fans, Boniface gets fined N44m

Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles and Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, had been hit with a one-match suspension and a $25,000 fine following an incident of unsportsmanlike conduct during last week’s Super Cup match against VfB Stuttgart. 

The German Football Association (DFB) decided after Boniface was accused of making an obscene gesture toward Stuttgart players in the post-match celebrations. 

The timing of the suspension comes just four days after Boniface announced plans for a social media giveaway for his fans on X app, formerly Twitter.