Victor Boniface: 3 things Super Eagles striker must do to reclaim Leverkusen spot

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface faces a defining summer at Bayer 04 Leverkusen after the Bundesliga side made clear what he must improve to force his way back into the starting lineup, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a sensational debut season after arriving from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023, scoring 21 goals and providing nine assists as Leverkusen won their first Bundesliga title under Xabi Alonso without losing a game.

However, his trajectory has since stalled. A series of injury setbacks disrupted his second campaign, while failed transfer moves to Al-Nassr and AC Milan further complicated matters after concerns over his knee emerged.

Things worsened during his loan spell at Werder Bremen, where he failed to score in 11 appearances before eventually undergoing surgery last December.

Now back at the BayArena, Boniface is looking to reset his career and fight for a place in Leverkusen’s attack ahead of the 2026/27 season.

No time to waste! 😤💪

Na Victor carry first report for training. 😎

Welcome back, @boniface_jrn! 🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/23oBAlerbp

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) July 2, 2026

What Simon Rolfes said about Victor Boniface’s Leverkusen future

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has offered an honest assessment of Boniface’s current condition, insisting the striker’s knee is no longer the major concern.

Instead, Rolfes pointed to the Nigerian’s physical shape as the biggest issue standing between him and a return to regular football at the Bay Arena.

“The knee looks pretty good today. But the weight is a bit of his weak spot. It’s our goal to get him back in top form. Then he has a chance to play for many teams,” Rolfes told Sport Bild as revealed by Rheinpfalz.

The Leverkusen director also reminded supporters of Boniface’s importance during their title-winning campaign.

“We will never forget what Boniface did for us in the season we won the league. That’s when he embodied what we needed, this attack mode,” he added.

With his contract running until 2028, Leverkusen still see value in the Nigerian, but the message is clear: he must prove himself again.

Three things Victor Boniface must do to reclaim his Leverkusen spot

1. Get back into peak physical condition.

Rolfes’ comments make it clear that Boniface’s weight has become a major internal concern. For a striker whose game depends heavily on off-the-ball movements, aggressive pressing, and sharp changes of direction, carrying extra weight could significantly reduce his effectiveness. Getting leaner and sharper must be the foundation of his comeback.

2. Rediscover his confidence in front of the goal

Going 11 games without scoring at Werder Bremen was a major blow to his momentum.

Before his injuries, Boniface was one of the Bundesliga’s most clinical forwards, but strikers thrive on rhythm.

He now needs goals, even in pre-season, to rebuild the belief that made him so dangerous during Leverkusen’s unbeaten title run.

3. Stay fit and avoid injuries

This may be the most important factor. His talent has never been questioned, but availability has become the biggest obstacle in his development.

Leverkusen’s attack has evolved without him, and consistent fitness will be the only way to re-establish himself in the team.

At 25, Boniface still has time on his side, but after a turbulent year, the coming months could decide whether he reclaims his place in Germany or whether a move elsewhere will be the best fit for the one-time Bundesliga Rookie of the Year Award winner.

Leverkusen open their season with a DFB Pokal game against third-tier German side Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday, August 22.