DFB-Pokal: Boniface comes off the bench to score dramatic winner for Leverkusen against Cologne
Published: February 06, 2025
Bayer Leverkusen are through to the semifinals of the DFB-Pokal after coming from behind to beat FC Cologne 3-2 at the BayArena in Leverkusen on Wednesday night.
Nathan Tella passed a fitness test to be included in Bayer Leverkusen's game day squad and he was joined on the bench by fellow Nigeria international Victor Boniface who is back in shape, having fully recovered from a thigh injury that kept him sidelined for two months.
The Werkself won this competition in the 2023-2024 season as they went unbeaten in all domestic competitions, but Cologne's second goal from Linton Maina in the 54th minute looked like knocking them out.
However, Bayer Leverkusen are the king of comebacks and teams have learnt not to write them off.
Xabi Alonso's side pulled one back through Patrik Schick, who finished from close range just past the hour mark.
Looking for an equalizer, the Spanish football tactician brought on Tella and Boniface in the 60th and 76th minute respectively.
Czech Republic international Schick forced extra-time in the sixth minute of stoppage time, heading home from the edge of the box.
Eight minutes into extra-time, Boniface gave Bayer Leverkusen the lead for the first time on the night as he side-footed home from close range.
With ten goals to his name, Boniface has now hit double digits in goals for the second straight season as a Bayer Leverkusen player, comprising seven in the Bundesliga, and one each in the DFB Pokal, Champions League and German Super Cup.
The Super Eagles striker has made seventeen all-competition appearances so far this season.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Nigerian forward bids emotional farewell to Arsenal after 14 years of service
- 'Getting better' - Super Eagles midfielder Onyedika aims to raise the bar at Club Brugge
- 'We'll sink them' - Benin midfielder vows to take down Super Eagles after rejection by Nigeria
- Slavia rising star Moses hails 'big brother' Ogbu, dreams of facing Real Madrid and Liverpool in UCL
- After signing Argentina shot-stopper, Crystal Palace set to loan out 2023 Flying Eagles invitee
- Genk consider move for for MLS hotshot to replace Super Eagles striker Arokodare
- Inzaghi begs Osimhen: Al-Hilal table offer that would break Nigerian record held by Ighalo
- Portugal coach singles out one Super Falcons player for praise after gritty draw in Amadora
- Portugal 0 Nigeria 0: Five observations from Super Falcons goalless draw against Navegadoras
- Portugal 0 Nigeria 0: Travel-weary Super Falcons held by Euro-bound Navegadoras


- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- SHBET
- keo nha cai
- F168
- F168
- okvip
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88