No Brest for Victor Boniface as Leverkusen replace Super Eagles striker with 17-year-old Nigeria-eligible star

Nigeria's Victor Boniface survived an auto crash on Sunday.

No Brest for Victor Boniface as Leverkusen replace Super Eagles striker with 17-year-old Nigeria-eligible star

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 06:37 - 23.10.2024

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface will miss the Brest vs Leverkusen Champions League clash after he was involved in an auto crash.

German champions Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed that Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface will miss Wednesday's Champions League clash against unbeaten French side Brest due to injuries sustained in a recent car accident.

The 23-year-old striker was involved in the accident on Sunday, shortly after helping Leverkusen secure a 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

Boniface, who was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a truck while en route to Frankfurt airport, suffered minor injuries and has not trained with his teammates ahead of the crucial encounter.

“Victor Boniface has not travelled for #BrestB04, with Francis Onyeka replacing him in the squad,” the club announced on social media.

Victor Boniface shared images of his car crash on IG | Instagram
Victor Boniface shared images of his car crash on IG | Instagram

In Boniface’s absence, 17-year-old Nigeria-eligible star Onyeka has been called up to the squad and could make his senior debut for the Bundesliga champions.

Onyeka's inclusion reflects Leverkusen's commitment to nurturing young talent, especially in pivotal matches like this one.

Victor Boniface celebrating his goal against Frankfurt on Saturday.
Victor Boniface celebrating his goal against Frankfurt on Saturday.

Boniface has been a key player for Leverkusen this season, scoring seven goals in ten appearances across all competitions.

His absence will undoubtedly be felt as the team prepares to face a challenging Brest side that remains unbeaten in their league campaign.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso will miss his main man.| Imago

As Boniface focuses on recovery, fans and teammates alike are hopeful for his swift return to action.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Onyeka as he steps up to fill the void left by the talented striker in what promises to be an exciting Champions League fixture.

Francis Onyeka during a UEFA Youth League clash against AC Milan for Bayer Leverkusen.
Francis Onyeka during a UEFA Youth League clash against AC Milan for Bayer Leverkusen.

The youngster was one of four Nigerians listed amongst the top 60 best youngsters in the World alongside Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

Onyeka is a German youth international who recently scored five goals in six matches for the German U17s in the European Championship qualifiers.

Francis Onyeka playing for Germany's U17 team | Imago

The highly regarded forward has featured prominently in the UEFA Youth League this season and could get a dream senior appearance later tonight.