Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has expressed relief after making a successful return to the pitch following a three-month injury layoff.

The Nigerian forward underwent surgery for an adductor injury in January and marked his comeback with a goal in Leverkusen’s DFB Pokal victory over Fortuna Dusseldorf last week.

Boniface scored in Leverkusen’s 2-0 triumph against West Ham United in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

This latest goal was his fifth in just six appearances in the competition for Die Werkself this season.

Speaking after the game, the 23-year-old said, “I feel good, I feel happy to be playing football again.

“It was not easy being sidelined for two to three months, missing out on a lot of games. I am still working my way back to full fitness, but I am happy to come on and help my team.”