Boniface and Tella: Xhaka Praises Nigerian Duo As Bayer Leverkusen Secures First Bundesliga Title

Boniface and Tella: Xhaka Praises Nigerian Duo As Bayer Leverkusen Secures First Bundesliga Title

Ero Samson
updated at April 15, 2024 at 10:34 AM
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Victor Okoh Boniface logo
V. O. Boniface
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  • Bayer Leverkusen claimed their first Bundesliga crown with a victory against Werder Bremen
  • Nigerian duo, Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface, were instrumental to Die Werkself's title triumph
  • Granit Xhaka has lauded the Super Eagles duo after the championship triumph for Xabi Alonso's side

Bayer Leverkusen ended Bayern Munich’s incredible Bundesliga title-winning streak by clinching their first-ever league crown under the guidance of manager, Xabi Alonso.

Die Werkself made light work of their run to clinch the championship, as they remained unbeaten against every opponent, including sealing a three-nil victory over Bayern.

Leverkusen owes much of their historic Bundesliga victory to a cadre of passionate and talented players, among whom former Arsenal midfielder, Granit Xhaka, is standing out.

Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen, Nathan Tella, Victor Boniface, Bundesliga
Granit Xhaka has hailed his Bayer Leverkusen teammates, Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, after they claimed the Bundesliga title. Image: Oliver Kaelke.
Source: Getty Images

The Swiss star, who completed a transfer from the Premier League to the German club in the summer, was indeed an integral part of Alonso's side's win, and in their title-clinching fixture against Werder Bremen, the 31-year-old again scored a belter of a goal.

In the aftermath of the win and during the post-match title celebrations, the Swiss icon singled out the Nigerian duo of Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella for praise.

Xhaka praises Boniface and Tella

In a post-match interview reported by Soccernet, the versatile midfielder, brimming with excitement, emphasised the impact that the Super Eagles duo has had on Leverkusen’s title charge.

"Regarding Boni [Boniface] and Nathan, they’re very good, very positive, always with a smile on their faces."

He further highlighted the qualities the Nigerians have brought to the team, stating:

"With them, we have a lot of quality in the team, on and off the pitch, and it’s so nice to be a part of them and the team.”

The Nigerian pair have undeniably been instrumental to the team's success, with Boniface amassing 11 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga despite facing a lengthy injury, and Tella, who has often played out of position as a wing-back, notching five goals and two assists, according to data courtesy of Fotmob.

The Nigerian duo will now shift their focus to securing the remaining two titles up for grabs, with Leverkusen already in the final of the DFB-Pokal and also holding a strong position in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.

Oliseh congratulates Boniface

Sports Brief also reported on former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh congratulating Boniface following Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph.

The 48-year-old took to social media to salute the marquee forward for his brilliant display throughout the season, starring despite an injury setback.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).