Victor Boniface, the dynamic Nigerian striker for Bayer Leverkusen, has made a much-anticipated return to training after a nearly two-month absence due to a thigh injury. The club announced his return with a photo of him working out on the pitch, signaling a boost to their attacking options. Boniface sustained the injury on November 20, 2024, forcing him to miss 12 crucial matches across all competitions. While initially expected to return earlier this year, a setback in his recovery prolonged his time on the sidelines. His return comes as a welcome development for Leverkusen, who are set to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. However, the match comes too soon for Boniface, who did not travel with the team.
Prior to the injury, Boniface had enjoyed a productive start to the season, netting eight goals and providing one assist in 15 appearances. He quickly established himself as a key figure in Leverkusen’s attack, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. His absence left a void in the team’s offensive firepower, highlighting his importance to their overall performance. Now, as he nears a return to competitive action, Boniface will face competition for a starting spot from Patrik Schick, a seasoned striker whom manager Xabi Alonso recently praised.
Xabi Alonso, the Leverkusen manager, has emphasized the healthy competition within the squad, particularly in the striking department. He highlighted the importance of players fighting for their positions, which ultimately benefits the team’s performance. Alonso acknowledged the difficulty he faces in selecting his starting eleven due to the quality available in all positions. He expressed his desire for all players to continually strive for improvement and contribute to the team’s success. The manager’s comments indicate that Boniface, upon regaining full fitness, will need to prove his worth and compete with Schick for playing time.
Alonso specifically addressed the competition between Boniface and Schick, stating that their performances in training and matches will determine who gets the starting nod. He underscored the importance of having both strikers in top form, emphasizing the need for Boniface to fully recover and rediscover his goal-scoring touch. The manager believes that a healthy competition between the two strikers will push both players to perform at their best, ultimately benefiting the team. He stressed that the player who demonstrates the most merit and proves himself in training and matches will earn the opportunity to play.
Boniface’s journey to Leverkusen began last year when he joined from Royale Union SG after a stellar season, where he amassed an impressive tally of 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 appearances. His performance in the previous season solidified his reputation as a prolific goalscorer and playmaker, attracting the attention of several clubs before he eventually signed with Leverkusen. His contribution to Union SG undoubtedly played a significant role in their successful campaign. This impressive track record raised expectations for his performance at Leverkusen, and his early-season form suggested he was on track to meet those expectations before the injury setback.
The Nigerian striker’s return to training marks a significant step towards his full recovery and eventual reintegration into the Leverkusen squad. While he will miss the immediate Champions League clash, his return to fitness offers a timely boost for the German side as they navigate a demanding schedule in multiple competitions. The competition for a starting role with Schick promises to be an intriguing subplot in the coming weeks, adding another layer of excitement for Leverkusen fans. Boniface’s ability to regain his pre-injury form will be crucial for both his individual success and the team’s overall aspirations for the remainder of the season.
