Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has thrown his support behind Victor Boniface, insisting that the Nigerian striker can still earn another opportunity at the German club despite his difficult start to the 2026/27 season.
The 25-year-old forward has endured a frustrating period marked by fitness problems, limited playing time and uncertainty over his long-term future at the BayArena. However, Rolfes remains convinced that Boniface possesses the quality to contribute to the team if he can regain his physical sharpness.
The Leverkusen chief has urged the Super Eagles striker to remain fit, work hard in training and improve his overall condition, expressing confidence that opportunities will eventually come his way.
According to comments attributed to Rolfes by Transfermarkt, the sporting director remains unconcerned about Boniface’s situation and believes the forward must concentrate on his development rather than become distracted by speculation about his future.
Rolfes also highlighted an improvement in the striker’s mental outlook following a challenging period, suggesting that the Nigerian is approaching his situation with renewed optimism.
The backing comes at a difficult time for Boniface, whose involvement in Leverkusen’s first team has been severely restricted this season.
The striker has made just one appearance for the Bundesliga side during the current campaign, featuring for five minutes in their opening-day 3-2 defeat to newly promoted SV Elversberg. He also provided an assist during that brief appearance but has struggled to secure further opportunities.
His situation became more complicated when Leverkusen decided against including him in their Europa League squad for the league phase.
Following a serious muscular injury to French forward Martin Terrier, the club opted to register Jonas Hofmann as his replacement instead of Boniface. The decision further reduced the Nigerian’s opportunities to regain match fitness through European competition.
With his future increasingly becoming a subject of speculation, reports have suggested that Boniface and his representatives would welcome a departure during the January transfer window if his situation does not improve.
However, Rolfes’ latest comments indicate that Leverkusen have not completely closed the door on the Nigerian forward.
The sporting director acknowledged that Boniface needs to improve certain aspects of his game, particularly his pressing and contribution when the team does not have possession.
Although the striker demonstrated impressive goalscoring ability during his early days in Germany, Rolfes suggested that his attacking qualities must be complemented by greater intensity and defensive work to meet the team’s demands.
The club’s immediate priority is to help Boniface achieve the physical condition required to showcase his abilities consistently.
Boniface’s current difficulties represent a significant contrast to the impact he made after joining Leverkusen from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023.
During his first season, the Nigerian emerged as one of the club’s most influential attacking players, scoring 21 goals and providing nine assists in 34 appearances across competitions.
His performances helped Leverkusen secure their first Bundesliga title during the historic 2023/24 campaign, when Xabi Alonso’s side completed the league season unbeaten.
Boniface’s combination of strength, movement, technical ability and finishing made him a formidable presence in attack. His performances also established him as one of Nigeria’s most promising forwards in European football.
However, recurring injuries subsequently disrupted his progress and prevented him from maintaining the same level of consistency.
A difficult loan spell at Werder Bremen during the 2025/26 campaign offered little relief. The striker struggled with fitness issues and failed to score in 11 appearances before a persistent knee problem required surgery in January 2026.
His return to Leverkusen offered an opportunity to rebuild his career, but regaining full fitness has proved more complicated than anticipated.
The competition for attacking positions has also created another obstacle. Boniface must convince head coach Carles Martínez that he can offer more than the alternatives available in the squad, including Patrik Schick and Christian Kofane.
For Leverkusen, the challenge is to help a player who previously delivered outstanding performances rediscover that form while ensuring that his physical condition can withstand the demands of competitive football.
Rolfes’ continued support could therefore prove important for the Nigerian’s confidence as he attempts to recover his place in the team.
Nevertheless, encouragement from the club’s leadership will need to translate into progress on the training ground before Boniface can realistically expect regular playing time.
With the January transfer window approaching, the coming weeks could become decisive for his future at Leverkusen.
If he improves his fitness and earns the confidence of the coaching staff, the Nigerian could still revive his Bundesliga career without leaving the club.
For now, Rolfes has made his position clear: Boniface retains the opportunity to prove himself, but he must demonstrate that he is ready to take it.
