Super Eagles duo Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella featured as Bayer Leverkusen were held to a goalless draw by Stuttgart in Friday’s Bundesliga clash.
Softfootball understands that the result dealt another blow to Leverkusen’s title ambitions, as Xabi Alonso’s side missed the opportunity to close the gap on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.
A victory would have reduced Bayern’s lead at the summit to just two points, but the defending champions were unable to find a breakthrough despite creating several chances.
Boniface was named in the starting lineup and led Leverkusen’s attack for most of the contest before being substituted four minutes from time.
His compatriot, Nathan Tella, started on the bench and was introduced in the 86th minute as Alonso searched for a late winner.
Despite their late attacking changes, Leverkusen could not break down a disciplined Stuttgart defence and had to settle for a share of the spoils.
The draw leaves Leverkusen on 16 points, while Bayern Munich remain top of the Bundesliga table with 20 points, keeping the pressure on the reigning champions early in the season.
