Nigeria's Victor Boniface makes triumphant return for Leverkusen after injury lay-off

Last year, the 23-year-old dynamo from Nigeria transitioned from Belgian football to the Bundesliga, making a formidable impact with Die Werkself. Despite a setback during preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where an adductor injury sidelined him, Boniface's return promises a resurgence in form for both club and country.

After a successful surgery and rigorous rehabilitation, Boniface made his much-anticipated return in Leverkusen's DFB Pokal encounter against Fortuna Dusseldorf on Wednesday. The match saw a dominant 4-0 victory for Leverkusen, with Boniface contributing a solid 25 minutes of play off the bench.

In a post-match interview, Boniface opened up about the arduous journey back to full fitness, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from his teammates, coach, and club staff during his recovery period.

"It was a tough road," Boniface confessed to Bayer 04 TV. "To be sidelined during preparations for international duty was challenging, especially knowing Leverkusen relied on me. But the camaraderie within the club kept me going. I had tremendous support from everyone."

Leverkusen's unbeaten streak, now at an impressive 40 games, signifies their dominance in domestic and continental competitions. Currently leading the Bundesliga table by a staggering 13 points, they are poised for a historic treble, with appearances secured in the DFB Pokal final and the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, where they are set to clash with West Ham United.

Boniface's return adds another dimension to Leverkusen's attacking prowess, bolstering their quest for silverware across multiple fronts. 

As the season progresses, Boniface's impact is expected to reverberate not only within the club but also on the international stage, as he aims to reclaim his spot in the Super Eagles line-up.