Nigerian striker Victor Boniface was over the moon on his UEFA Champions League debut for Bayer Leverkusen as his side thrashed hosts Feyenoord 4-0 with comfort on Thursday night. The match at the Stadion Feyenoord in Rotterdam was one to remember as Boniface started his European campaign in fine style.
The 23-year-old striker was replaced after 62 minutes by Patrick Schick. Yet, he wasn’t on the scoresheet, Boniface was at the heart of Leverkusen’s dominant show.
Reflecting on his journey, Boniface remembered how he paid a token sum of N30 as a young boy in Akure to watch Champions League matches at the 323 Army Barracks.
In a message on the X social media platform, he said: “From paying 30 Naira to watch Champions League football at night then at 323 Army Barracks, Akure, to playing my first Champions League game. Proud of this moment.”.
The first of Boniface was a milestone in his career, and with the way he performed, it’s an assurance that there will be more big moments forthcoming in the competition. This emphatic win by Bayer Leverkusen sets a good tone for their Champions League campaign as they look forward to going big this season.