Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has expressed confidence that Victor Boniface can rediscover the form that made him one of the Bundesliga’s most feared forwards, insisting the club is fully committed to helping the Super Eagles striker return to peak condition, Soccernet.ng reports.
Boniface enjoyed a dream debut campaign following his move from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023, scoring 21 goals and providing nine assists in 34 appearances as Xabi Alonso’s side won their first-ever Bundesliga title without losing a match.
The Nigerian international also swept up four Bundesliga Rookie of the Month awards during a season that established him as one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers.
However, injuries interrupted his momentum in the following campaign.
Recurring knee problems restricted Boniface to 11 goals and one assist in 27 appearances, while concerns over his long-term fitness reportedly contributed to failed transfer moves to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and Serie A giants AC Milan.
His fortunes declined further during a surprise loan spell at Werder Bremen, where injuries and conditioning issues prevented him from making an impact. The 25-year-old failed to score in 11 appearances before returning to Leverkusen ahead of pre-season.
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Despite those setbacks, Rolfes remains convinced the Nigerian has what it takes to return to his best.
“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 reported by Rheinpfalz.
The Leverkusen chief also revealed that the club has remained in regular contact with Boniface throughout his difficult period and has not forgotten the role he played during their historic title-winning campaign.
“We text every few days. 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,” Rolfes added.
Boniface contract runs till 2028, he now faces a pivotal pre-season as he looks to regain full fitness, reclaim his place as Leverkusen’s leading striker, and help the Bundesliga side challenge in the UEFA Europa League after last season’s sixth-place finish.
