Super Eagles stars in the spotlight as Boniface scores, Orban strikes, Tella limps off

• Victor Boniface marked his return from injury with a goal in Bayer Leverkusen’s 3-1 win over Hoffenheim
• Boniface’s return is a boost for both Leverkusen and Nigeria ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures
• Xabi Alonso substituted Boniface at halftime, likely as a precaution after his long injury layoff

Bundesliga’s Nigerian contingent had a mixed night as Victor Boniface marked his long-awaited return with a goal, Gift Orban found the net for Hoffenheim, and Nathan Tella suffered an injury scare in a thrilling league encounter.

Boniface, who had been sidelined since November 2024 due to an injury sustained while representing Nigeria in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Rwanda, finally made his comeback to Xabi Alonso’s starting lineup. 

The 24-year-old striker wasted no time reminding fans of his quality, scoring the opening goal in the 15th minute of Leverkusen’s commanding 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim at the BayArena.

The Super Eagles forward’s return was further significant as it marked his 50th appearance for Bayer Leverkusen, with his appearances spread across the Bundesliga, Europa League, DFB Pokal, UEFA Champions League, and the DFL-Supercup.

Leverkusen started the match as clear favourites and stamped their authority early on. 

Boniface, ever the poacher, capitalised on a well-placed pass from Alejandro Grimaldo inside the box and clinically fired a one-time strike past Hoffenheim goalkeeper Luca Philipp. 

His goal not only put his side in front but also signalled that he was fully back in business after a lengthy layoff.

Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong doubled the advantage before halftime, putting Leverkusen firmly in control of proceedings. 

However, Boniface’s night ended at halftime as he was replaced by Patrik Schick, a substitution likely aimed at managing his workload after returning from injury. Schick would later add Leverkusen’s third goal to seal the victory.

For Hoffenheim, fellow Super Eagles forward Gift Orban grabbed a consolation goal, proving his skillfulness in front of goal despite his team struggling against a dominant Leverkusen side. 

However, the night turned sour for another Nigerian international, Nathan Tella, who suffered an injury and had to be substituted for Emiliano Buendía, adding to Leverkusen’s growing injury concerns.

Boniface’s return and goal-scoring form will be a huge boost for both Leverkusen and Nigeria ahead of key fixtures. Meanwhile, Tella’s injury setback will be one to monitor closely in the coming days.

From Bundesliga to Big Money: How Boniface’s salary at Leverkusen compares to Al Nassr proposal

Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles star Victor Boniface is now being lured by the riches of Saudi Arabian football, with Al Nassr reportedly tabling a lucrative €60 million offer for his services.

Reports indicate that Boniface could earn €15 million per year at Al Nassr, a figure that dwarfs his current salary at Leverkusen.