Victor Boniface scores two goals as Leverkusen wins 7-0 in pre-season opener

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface had a great start to Bayer Leverkusen’s pre-season. He scored twice in a strong 7-0 win over SF Baumberg, a fifth-tier team, on Saturday.

This friendly match was held to celebrate the opening of Baumberg’s new MEGA Stadion. It was also the first game for Leverkusen under their new coach, Carles Martínez.

Martínez changed his lineup during the match, playing two halves of 35 minutes each. Portuguese winger Afonso Moreira found the net twice, and new player Christian Kofane added another goal, making it 3-0 before halftime.

Boniface shone in the second half. He scored two goals in just five minutes, showing he is ready for the season ahead. This comes despite rumors about his future with the team.

Leverkusen’s captain, Robert Andrich, scored the sixth goal with a powerful shot from outside the box. Fellow Nigerian Nathan Tella finished the scoring with a close-range goal late in the match.

This brace is a good sign for Boniface after a tough 2025/26 season that was affected by injuries.

The 25-year-old had surgery in January, which kept him off the pitch for several months.

His recovery affected both his club play and his chances to represent Nigeria internationally.

Still, Saturday’s match will boost Boniface’s confidence as he prepares for the upcoming season. It will also help him as Martínez evaluates his team. Leverkusen will continue training with an open session on Tuesday. Some players are expected to join later after finishing their international duties.