'I’m delighted for Patrik' - Boniface praises Bayer Leverkusen teammate despite tussle for starting shirt

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has praised his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Patrik Schick after the Czech Republic talisman scored a hattrick in their 4-0 thrashing of Bochum on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Bayer Leverkusen bought Boniface from Belgian Jupiler League side Royale Union SG in the summer, and the Nigeria international has quickly made a name for himself at the club.

The 22-year-old hitman was bought as a potential replacement for Schick, who sustained a long-term injury, but he has performed above all expectations. Boniface has registered ten goals and seven assists in 16 Bundesliga games for Die Werkself this season, helping them to the summit of the Bundesliga.

However, Schick returned to action for Bayer Leverkusen in November, and he has been impressive. The Czech star started for the club on Wednesday against Bochum as coach Xabi Alonso opted to bench all his African stars. Schick returned the favour by scoring a first-half hattrick. Then, Boniface got off the bench to wrap up the 4-0 win. The win ensures that Bayer Leverkusen end 2023 as League leaders.

Following the result, Boniface was quite happy, and he congratulated Schick on his feat.

“It was a great game. I’m really happy that we won, and I’m also delighted for Patrik as well”, Boniface said per Bayer Leverkusen X handle.

“Everyone in the team is playing fantastic, we’re really happy for each other.”

With Schick’s show of brilliance and Boniface likely leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations in January, there is a possibility that the Super Eagles striker will lose his place in the starting eleven.