‘We miss him’ – Wolves’ Arokodare sends Super Eagles message to Nigeria’s Neymar

Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare has opened up on the difficult period facing his Super Eagles teammate Victor Boniface, describing the situation as painful for both player and country, Afrik-Foot reports.

Boniface, who is currently on loan at Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen, has struggled with injuries and a drop in form over the past year. The Nigerian striker has been sidelined since December 2025, following ongoing knee and muscle problems that have affected his career momentum.

Both Arokodare and Boniface missed Nigeria’s party to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Eagles won bronze medal. However, while Arokodare failed to make the tournament squad due to inconsistent club form, Boniface had a tougher battle with injuries.

Arokodare, speaking about his close friend, did not hide his emotions.

“What is happening to him is not beautiful,” Arokodare said as per the Punch.

“It is sad to see, not just a colleague, but also a very good friend of mine, a childhood friend, someone I have known since I was about 15, 16. We were both in the U-17s together.

“It is not nice to see, and we miss him. We miss watching his goals, we miss watching him play because he is a beautiful footballer. He is an amazing player, and hopefully he comes back and returns to his goal-scoring ways, blessing us with his entertaining football. We wish him the best. We pray for the best.”

Boniface’s injury problems date back several years. While playing in Norway with Bodø/Glimt in 2019 and 2020, he suffered two serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in his right knee.

In August 2025, a high-profile move to AC Milan collapsed after medical tests raised concerns about the stability of that same knee. By January 2026, scans revealed cartilage damage, forcing him to undergo surgery after playing through pain during his loan spell at Bremen.

Road to recovery as Nigeria’s Super Eagles await their ‘Neymar’

Despite the setbacks, there is now hope. As of April, Boniface has completed his rehabilitation at Bayer Leverkusen and has returned to light training with Werder Bremen. Both club and player are targeting a return to competitive football before the end of the European season.

Arokodare remains hopeful that his teammate will come back stronger.

“We pray for no more injuries, although we also know that is almost impossible in football. But we pray for no more setbacks, heartbreaks or disappointments. We pray that his rehabilitation goes well, and when he comes back, he returns in even better form, continues scoring goals and keeps going higher. Hopefully, we will see more of his celebrations.”

Before his injury troubles, Boniface had established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting strikers. After joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, he scored 21 goals and provided 10 assists in 34 matches, helping the club win the Bundesliga title unbeaten and lift the DFB-Pokal under Xabi Alonso.

His style of play earned him admiration across the game. Standing at 1.90m, Boniface combines strength with pace, creativity, and dribbling ability, often playing with the flair of a winger.

That style is influenced by his idol, Neymar, whom he once described as his greatest of all time. The Brazilian’s skill and movement have shaped Boniface’s approach, especially his ability to beat defenders and operate in tight spaces.

Nigeria must wait for Boniface for now, though. And if his recovery stays on track, the Super Eagles could soon welcome back one of their most exciting attacking talents.