Boniface scores in 2-1 win as Nigerian stars shine abroad in Europe

Victor Boniface scored the winning goal for Bayer Leverkusen in a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United, leading a strong round of performances by Nigerian players abroad. Kelechi Iheanacho, Rafiu Durosinmi and Akor Adams also made decisive contributions for their clubs, while Ashleigh Plumptre resumed training with Al-Ittihad after an injury layoff.

Boniface entered the Leverkusen match from the bench before settling the contest with his goal. His contribution gave the Nigeria forward an immediate impact in limited time and helped Leverkusen secure the victory over Newcastle.

Iheanacho is building momentum at Bursaspor after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win against Igdir F.K. The strike came after he scored and provided an assist on his debut against Bodrum FK, giving him goals in each of his first two matches for the Turkish club.

Durosinmi also found the net for Genk, converting a penalty to continue his early-season run. The goal was his second in two matches, putting the Super Eagles striker among the forwards pushing for attention before the next international window.

Adams delivered the biggest individual return of the group for Venezia. He scored twice and assisted once as Venezia recovered from a deficit to beat Modena 3-2 in the Coppa Italia Round of 64. His involvement covered both the finishing and creative sides of the comeback.

The latest club form adds to a strong competitive base for Nigeria. The Super Eagles lead the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 standings with nine points from three matches, having won all three and scoring eight goals while conceding four. Their wider recent record is two wins, two draws and one defeat: a 2-1 loss to Portugal, 2-2 draws with Poland and Jordan, and victories over Jamaica and Zimbabwe.

Plumptre’s return gives the Super Falcons another development to follow. The defender has joined Al-Ittihad training after recovering from a surgically treated left-foot injury. She missed Nigeria’s 2026 WAFCON campaign during that recovery and is now working towards full fitness.