Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso namechecks Boniface as he reacts to Onyeka's senior debut

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso namechecked Victor Boniface as he reacted to Francis Onyeka's debut for the German Bundesliga champions in a DFB-Pokal clash on Tuesday, October 29.

Onyeka, a Germany U18 international, made his first appearance for Bayer Leverkusen's first team in the 3-0 win against Elversberg, coming on for Arthur with three minutes left on the clock.

The 17-year-old made his professional debut for Bayer Leverkusen a decade after joining the club, and less than two weeks after he was awarded the most prestigious individual award in German youth football, Fritz Walter Medal, by the German Football Association.

The Gummersbach native made a number of good moves during the six minutes he spent on the pitch.

Onyeka was called up to Bayer Leverkusen's first team for the first time in mid-January, and after his professional debut against Elversberg, a Bundesliga appearance could be on the cards.

Alonso highlighted during the post-match press conference that the German-Nigerian teenager gained valuable experience playing together with established first team players Boniface, Florian Wirtz and Alejandro Grimaldo. 

In quotes relayed by Bild, the Spanish football tactician stated: "He is very dynamic. Francis deserves these chances. He will certainly remember this debut in the future. We saw that he has made great progress in the U19s. Playing with Flo, Boniface and Grimaldo is important for him."

So far this season, Onyeka has made twelve appearances across competitions for Leverkusen's youth teams, scoring five goals and providing one assist.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: bayer04.de

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com