Exclusive: Boniface delighted with comeback contribution in Leverkusen’s Europa League win

Victor Boniface has said he feels “good and happy” to be back after he helped Bayer Leverkusen seal a 2-0 first leg victory over West Ham in the Europa League quarterfinals on Thursday night.

Boniface had been sidelined since December through injury and only returned to action this month. The 23-year-old forward came on as a substitute late in the game and made an instant impact.

Leverkusen would score the opener through Jonas Hofmann 7 minutes after Boniface came on, and in the 91st minute, the Nigerian doubled the lead.

“Yes, I feel happy,” he said while speaking exclusively with Omasports at the Bay Arena. “It is not easy after being injured for two, three months. I have missed a lot of games – and now coming back and trying to help my team. So I am really happy.”

Leverkusen entirely dominated proceedings but failed to find the back of the net until late in the game. But Boniface emphasized the importance of sticking to a game plan in such situations.

“We know West Ham and the kind of game they play but the most important thing was for us to keep playing our style and be patient, and if you have one or two chances, you can convert and that’s what we did today.”

Leverkusen will travel to face West Ham at the London Stadium next week but before that they square off against Werder Bremen this weekend – a game Boniface is looking forward to.

“I am looking forward to helping my team anytime I am called upon. Now we have a game on Sunday, which is a big game for us, and I am looking forward to that. I feel good and happy to be back playing football again.”