Victor Boniface: How Leverkusen’s latest decision could change his future

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has received an encouraging signal from Bayer Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez after getting another opportunity to play, raising hopes that the Nigerian striker can revive his fortunes with Die Werkself.

The 25-year-old came off the bench during Leverkusen’s 5-2 victory over Nürnberg in the DFB-Pokal, ending a frustrating spell of getting no minutes in nine straight league games, alongside an exclusion from the club’s UEFA Europa League squad.

Although his appearance came with three minutes left to play, Martínez was pleased with what he saw and made it clear that Boniface remains part of his plans.

Why Martínez’s comments matter for Boniface

“I’m happy for him because I know he wanted to play and be important,” the coach said after the match, according to LigaInsider.

“He was good in those few minutes.”

The coach’s response is significant for a striker whose future at the BayArena is towing the lines of uncertainty. Boniface was unhappy with his lack of opportunities, even walking down the tunnel in one of the games after realising he wouldn’t be called on to play.

However, Martínez’s latest comments suggest the relationship has not broken down and that the forward still has an opportunity to change his situation.

Boniface’s biggest obstacle has been convincing Martínez that he is ready to contribute consistently.

The Nigerian endured a difficult loan spell at Werder Bremen last season and returned to Leverkusen needing to rebuild his fitness after persistent knee problems.

Martínez previously explained that the striker’s physical condition wasn’t up to par when pre-season preparations began. The coach also stressed the importance of rhythm and intensity, suggesting that Boniface needed to improve his fitness before getting more minutes.

His limited involvement reflected those concerns. Before the Nürnberg game, he had struggled to get opportunities, while his omission from Leverkusen’s Europa League squad further complicated his attempts to regain momentum.

The latest appearance does not mean he has suddenly moved ahead of Patrik Schick in the pecking order, but the positive assessment from Martínez is an indication that his work is being recognised.

The coach also emphasised that Leverkusen would need every member of the squad for the challenges ahead, although he refused to confirm whether Boniface would receive more minutes against Stuttgart tomorrow, as Nathan Tella has been getting more game time in the centre-forward role.

Can Boniface still revive his Leverkusen career?

The challenge for Boniface is to turn encouraging substitute appearances into a sustained run of involvement.

Leverkusen need attacking options across a demanding schedule, and the Nigerian has already demonstrated the qualities that made him an important player during his first spell at the club.

He scored 21 goals in all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign, helping Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.

That version of Boniface is what the club will hope to recover. However, he must demonstrate that he can maintain the physical intensity required by Martínez, particularly when asked to lead the press and contribute without the ball.

His situation could also influence January transfer plans. If his playing time increases, a departure may become less attractive. If he remains on the fringes, the possibility of leaving to secure regular football could return to the forefront.

For now, Martínez has offered Boniface something he desperately needed: encouragement and a reminder that his place at Leverkusen is not beyond recovery. The next step is to make sure the coach has more reasons to trust him.