One key reason Victor Boniface can become Bayer Leverkusen’s main man again

Victor Boniface has endured one of the toughest spells of his professional career over the past 18 months, Afrik Foot reports.

Bayer Leverkusen now believe there is one major reason the Nigerian striker can rediscover the form that once made him one of the Bundesliga’s most feared forwards.

The 25-year-old has battled injuries, failed transfers, surgery, a disappointing loan spell at Werder Bremen, and criticism over his physical condition, notably his weight.

However, there is renewed optimism inside the BayArena that Boniface is finally heading back towards his best after an intensive fitness transformation.

Simon Rolfes identifies Boniface’s biggest improvement

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has been encouraged by the striker’s progress during pre-season, particularly after Bayer’s recent 3-1 friendly victory over Kickers Offenbach.

According to BILD, Boniface looked noticeably leaner, sharper and far more explosive than he did towards the end of last season.

“My feeling is that it will get better,” Rolfes said.

“The striker shows his quality, his cleverness. Boniface knows how to use his body.”

The Bayer executive also praised the Nigerian’s attitude, highlighting his determination to impress even in lower-profile pre-season fixtures.

“He’s trying to get going and knock it all out.”

Why weight loss could transform Boniface’s game

The biggest difference between Boniface now and the player who struggled through the second half of last season appears to be his physical condition.

Following knee surgery in December, the former Union Saint-Gilloise striker remained in Leverkusen to complete his rehabilitation before returning to Werder Bremen on loan.

However, the Nigerian returned carrying more weight than expected, raising concerns about his ability to regain the explosiveness that defined his outstanding debut campaign.

Leverkusen’s coaching staff responded by placing Boniface on an intensive individual conditioning programme well before the start of pre-season.

The early results are already becoming visible. Less weight has allowed him to move more freely, attack defenders with greater confidence and regain the sharpness he’s well known for.

Boniface already admitted the last year was difficult

Boniface himself recently acknowledged just how challenging the past year has been after scoring twice in Bayer Leverkusen’s 7-0 pre-season victory over fifth-tier side SF Baumberg. Those goals ended a goalscoring drought stretching back to March 2025.

“It was a difficult year for me. It is a good feeling to be back,” the Nigerian said in quotes revealed by Rheinische post.

“Of course, I’m happy that I’m training again, playing again and doing what I love again.”

His struggles extended far beyond injuries. Moves to Al-Nassr and AC Milan both collapsed before his difficult loan spell at Werder Bremen, where he failed to score in 11 appearances before returning to Leverkusen this summer.

Can Boniface reclaim his place?

Despite the encouraging signs, Rolfes accepts Boniface is not yet the same player who inspired Bayer Leverkusen to their historic unbeaten Bundesliga title during the 2023-24 campaign.

The Nigerian scored 21 goals and provided nine assists during that remarkable debut season, carting home four rookie of the month awards.

Whether he can reach those heights again remains the biggest question. Competition for places remains fierce, and Boniface still needs to convince the coaching staff he can consistently deliver over a full campaign.

However, his improved fitness offers the strongest indication yet that the Super Eagles striker is finally moving in the right direction.

If Boniface continues shedding weight while maintaining sharpness, Bayer Leverkusen may soon have their main man leading the line once again.