Iheanacho Scores Again As Boniface Fires Leverkusen To Victory Over Newcastle

Iheanacho Scores Again As Boniface Fires Leverkusen To Victory Over Newcastle 

By Niyi Busari 

Super Eagles forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Boniface continued their impressive starts to the 2026/27 campaign by finding the net for their respective European clubs, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Iheanacho was on target for Bursaspor as the Turkish side secured a 1-0 victory over Iğdır FK, with the Nigerian striker scoring the decisive goal in the opening stages.

The goal followed an encouraging debut for the 29-year-old, who scored once and provided an assist in Bursaspor’s 2-0 away victory over Bodrum FK. Iheanacho played a key role in the opening goal before setting up Lincoln Henrique for the second.

His quick impact comes after his move to Bursaspor from Celtic during the summer. Iheanacho spent the 2025/26 season in Scotland, where he helped Celtic win the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup before moving to Turkey.

Meanwhile, Victor Boniface made his return to the Bayer Leverkusen scoresheet in style, coming off the bench to score an 82nd-minute winner in a 2-1 pre-season victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on August 15.

Ibrahim Maza had given Leverkusen an early lead before Newcastle equalised through Malick Thiaw. Boniface then struck late to secure victory for the Bundesliga side.

The goal represents an encouraging start to Boniface's return to Leverkusen following his season-long loan spell at Werder Bremen. His 2025/26 campaign was disrupted by a knee injury that required surgery, and he made 11 Bundesliga appearances for Bremen without scoring.

Boniface previously enjoyed a prolific 2023/24 campaign with Leverkusen, scoring 14 Bundesliga goals as Xabi Alonso's side won the German title and DFB-Pokal. He finished that league campaign as the club's leading scorer.

With the new European season approaching, the early goals from Iheanacho and Boniface will be welcome news for Nigeria as the Super Eagles continue to monitor the form of their attacking options.