Nigeria's Victor Boniface missed out on the score sheet but still made his presence felt in Bayer Leverkusen's win at Feyenoord in the UCL.
Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, made a thunderous start to their UEFA Champions League campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Feyenoord in Rotterdam on Thursday.
While Nigerian international Victor Boniface didn't find the back of the net, his influence on the game was undeniable during his 63-minute appearance.
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The match saw Florian Wirtz emerge as the star of the show with a brace, but it was Boniface's creative flair that caught the eye of many observers.
The Super Eagles forward and Naija Stars Abroad's Baller of the Week played a crucial role in Wirtz's second goal, showcasing his vision and technique in the build-up.
Boniface found rampaging wingback Jeremy Frimpong, who claimed two assists on the night, with a clever pass, who then set up Wirtz for a clinical finish.
One particular moment stood out, drawing comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. Boniface executed a perfectly timed fake-shot pass, a move that Henry famously employed during his playing days.
This piece of skill not only highlighted Boniface's technical ability but also his growing confidence on the European stage.
Alejandro Grimaldo added to Leverkusen's tally, while an unfortunate own goal by Feyenoord's goalkeeper completed the rout for Xabi Alonso's side.
The comprehensive victory serves as a statement of intent from Leverkusen in this season's Champions League.
For Boniface, while he may not have added to his goal tally, his performance demonstrated his value to the team beyond just scoring.
His ability to create chances and link up play will undoubtedly be crucial as Leverkusen aim to make a deep run in the competition.
If this opening match is any indication, the Nigerian forward is set to play a pivotal role in the German club's quest for glory.