Victor Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen continued their brilliant season with another narrow escape against Roma.
Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen's incredible Europa League semifinal comeback against Roma has led to accusations that the club, including Nigerians Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, are benefitting from supernatural 'juju' forces this season.
Alonso's side looked destined for elimination when trailing 2-0 at home to the Italians, only to produce another late, late show to progress 4-2 on aggregate on Thursday.
23:01 - 09.05.2024
Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman on target as Atalanta defy French president to set up Europa League final against Leverkusen
Ademola Lookman scored to help Atalanta set up a sensational final showdown against Victor Boniface's Leverkusen
21:56 - 09.05.2024
Leverkusen 2-2 Roma (4-2): Boniface, Tella, and Lookman in all-Nigerian UEL final showdown after historic draw
Nigerian trio of Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella and Ademola Lookman will compete in the UEL final after Bayer Leverkusen survived Roma.
Boniface, Tella and Leverkusen face juju talk
A Gianluca Mancini own goal and stoppage-time Josip Stanisic strike saw Leverkusen dramatically overturn the deficit on the night to book their place in the Dublin final.
It continues an uncanny run of witnessing Boniface, Tella and their teammates escape seemingly inevitable defeat with late drama time and time again this campaign.
Such has been the regularity of these heart-stopping moments that sections of fans are now suggesting the unbeaten German side must be employing underhand 'juju' tactics.
One fan tweeted: "Papa Perez shared his jazzman with Alonso. The juju is generational. Wtf."
Another posted bluntly: "Walahi Bayer Leverkusen dey use juju nothing you wan tell me."
The bizarre conspiracy theories escalated, with one observer insisting: "How you'll know it's juju is, it's randoms that are always scoring, not even just their top players, one random player no one knows, will just turn up and turn to prime Messi to save Leverkusen."
While the supernatural claims seem far-fetched, Leverkusen's ability to consistently conjure crucial late goals from unlikely sources like Stanisic and Patrik Schick certainly adds fuel to the fire of suspicion.
Boniface and strike partner Schick have understandably shouldered much of the scoring burden, but defensive players have also chipped in at vital moments.
Whether 'juju' or just immense determination, mental fortitude and winning mentality, Leverkusen are developing a trademark that is worthy of emulating.
Alonso will likely shrug off the 'juju' murmurings as his side gear up for a Europa League final showdown against Serie A’s Atalanta in Dublin.
But for the Nigerian duo of Boniface and Tella, achieving European glory would cap a truly magical campaign regardless of what forces may or may not be at work.
Related content
23:28 - 09.05.2024
Leverkusen juju intact as another late goal helps Boniface and Co break 60-year record
Bayer Leverkusen were saved by a 97th-minute equaliser as they kept their unbeaten run intact as they progressed to the final of the Europa League
11:52 - 10.05.2024
What Alonso told his invincibles Leverkusen including Boniface and Tella
Nigerian duo Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella and their Bayer Leverkusen teammates are on the brink of more history against AS Roma in the UEL.
10:47 - 08.05.2024
Victor Boniface: A recap of the Nigerian sensation's stats at Bayer Leverkusen
Victor Boniface has enjoyed a dream debut at Bayer Leverkusen after helping the club to a first-ever Bundesliga title.
18:28 - 05.05.2024
Frankfurt 1-5: Bayer Leverkusen: Boniface and Tella contribute to equal 59-year-old unbeaten milestone
There were five different scorers for Bayer Leverkusen, including Nigeria's Victor Boniface while Nathan Tella won a penalty against Frankfurt.
13:45 - 04.05.2024
Nigerian ace Boniface voted into Bundesliga team of the Season after Bayer Leverkusen triumph
The Bundesliga team of the season was dominated by Bayer Leverkusen stars, including Nigeria's own Victor Boniface
10:07 - 04.05.2024
How former Real Madrid man Xabi Alonso can relegate Barcelona to Champions League mediocrity
Barcelona's fate is now in the hands of former Real Madrid star Xabi Alonso and his all-conquering Bayer Leverkusen side
11:30 - 03.05.2024
Boniface up front — Germany legend Rudi Voller hails Super Eagles striker
Germany football legend, Rudi Voller has heaped praise on Bundesliga winners Bayer Leverkusen and star striker Victor Boniface.
10:53 - 03.05.2024
We want to stay unbeaten - Alonso determined to keep Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten run going
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is not tired of his team's incredible unbeaten streak and wants to see it continue.
21:57 - 02.05.2024
Boniface missing, Tella cameos as Andrich's screamer fires Leverkusen closer to UEL final
Bayer Leverkusen proved too strong for Roma in Rome without their Nigerian star Victor Boniface.