Victor Boniface ready to surprise with Bayer Leverkusen renaissance: “I feel great!”

After netting a brace in Bayer Leverkusen’s first pre-season friendly ahead of the 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign, Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has spoken on the potential of a most unexpected comeback. The 25-year-old is back with his Bundesliga parent club following a disastrous loan stint last year with Werder Bremen. A nightmare year characterizes by his clear lack of match fitness and cryptic social media posts is fully behind him. 

Over the course of the past 15 months, Boniface has seen his estimated market value plummet from €40m to €5m. His antics last season appeared to leave him with no future in the Bundesliga or indeed anywhere else. The fact that Boniface managed to still prove himself of some value in yesterday’s 0-6 away victory over Sportfreunde Bamberg, however, meant that the discussion over his future was most certainly revived. 

Simon Rolfes speaks on Victor Boniface

“What we witnessed today is that he was able to make a few moves and even dribble again,” Leverkusen’s managing director – as quoted by Kicker – noted after the match – “We didn’t see that last pre-season. These were things he simply couldn’t do last summer. We’re very satisfied with his physical condition.

“[The fact that he scored twice today] makes me very happy,” Rolfes continued. “[Last year] was an exceptionally difficult year for him. Of course, one can tell that some things are still missing. He’s in much better shape than he was last spring, but still has some steps to take.

“His [Boniface’s] next objective must be fitness,” Rolfes concluded. “There will certainly be one or two more weeks of very intense training during which he won’t be able to perform at his best right away, but that should help him up his game. that’s what we need to focus on now.”

Carles Martinez on Boniface

“It’s important for Boni to train with a group to improve physically,” Leverkusen’s newly appointed head coach added. “He trained with us the entire week. Today he had the chance to play for 35 minutes, and that’s important. Both he and us know that he must improve.

“He knows the objective and we know the objective,” Martinez continued. “Today, he showed what’s possible and who Boni is. We’ll keep moving forward step by step. I’m certain he’s a little happier today and will report to training on Monday with even more energy.“

Boniface’s own statement

“I’m doing well,” Boniface himself said. “Of course I’m glad to be training again, playing again, and doing what I love to do. It feels good to be back and to try to work hard for myself and see how things develop.

“I feel pretty good,” Boniface continued. “It felt good [to score again] as it’s been awhile and I haven’t been part of this team for so long. I’m merely happy with everything. The most important thing for me is to train, work on myself, and try to improve as a player.”

GGFN | Peter Weis