Victor Boniface delivered the match winner, netting his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal as Bayer Leverkusen snatched a narrow 1-0 victory over AC Milan on Tuesday night.
Despite a tense VAR decision that saw his earlier goal ruled out, the Nigerian striker remained undeterred, eventually finding the back of the net in the second half, Footballrover reports.
It was Boniface’s second appearance in Europe’s premier competition, and the Super Eagles star ensured his name was on the scoresheet, making his mark in front of a packed BayArena crowd.
Boniface’s redemption after VAR controversy
Boniface thought he had put his side ahead earlier in the first half, but VAR intervened, disallowing his goal after an offside review.
However, the 23-year-old continued to press forward, waiting for another chance to make his mark.
That opportunity came in the 51st minute.
After Jeremie Frimpong’s fierce strike was fumbled by AC Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Boniface reacted quickly, calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net from close range.
This time, no VAR could take away his moment of glory. The goal proved decisive as Leverkusen held on to claim all three points.
A tactical substitution and Nigerian representation
As AC Milan pushed for an equaliser, Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso made a tactical change in the 75th minute, replacing Boniface with Martin Terrier to bring fresh legs into the attack.
Despite his substitution, Boniface had already made his impact, delivering the match-winning goal in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Fellow Nigerians Nathan Tella and Samuel Chukwueze also made appearances.
Tella replaced Florian Wirtz in the 89th minute, while Chukwueze came on for Christian Pulisic in the 80th minute, but neither could change the outcome as Leverkusen walked away victorious.
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