Francis Onyeka impressed in VfL Bochum’s 3-2 win over Hertha BSC. His two goals were his fourth brace in a very short space of time.
Francis Onyeka is not yet a man of many words. For the first time since joining VfL Bochum, the 18-year-old was really in the spotlight.
The player, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, scored his first brace in the 2. Bundesliga in the 3-2 (2-0) win over Hertha BSC, paving the way for Bochum’s second win of the season after their 2-1 victory over SV Elversberg on the second matchday.
His first goal, which made it 2-0, was preceded by a solo run that hinted at the quality that lies dormant in the U19 international. “That’s momentum. I know what I’m capable of – and I can do that move, and I did it,” he said after the game. For the second goal, which was largely thanks to Philipp Hofmann’s commitment and determination, he only had to put his foot in. It was the crowning glory of two strong weeks for the talented player. During the international break, he captained the German U19 national team in the European Championship qualifiers and showed his skills there too. He scored a total of six goals in three games. He scored twice against Armenia (7-0), Kosovo (5-0) and Norway (2-1). He even set up a goal against Armenia.
Even though he only returned to Bochum two days before Saturday evening’s game against Hertha, he had noticed what his new coach Uwe Rösler had brought to the team. “I noticed that we think positively and remain positive during the game,” said Onyeka.
Rösler’s positive and intense manner was also evident throughout the game. The 56-year-old seemed to follow his players every step of the way from the sidelines. This also seemed to rub off on the spectators. Onyeka was well aware of this: “Thanks to the fans, they supported us brilliantly and the coach also pushed us hard from the sidelines. That gave us extra energy. Everything was just right.“ Whether he has now finally secured a place in Bochum’s starting lineup with his fourth brace in just under two weeks, Onyeka could not say. ”I can’t decide that myself,” he explained. But with two goals, he has certainly made a case for himself.