Victor Boniface doubtful for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers after suffering another injury setback

Super Eagles and Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker, Victor Okoh Boniface, has suffered another setback in his recovery process from a thigh injury, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Union Saint-Gilloise forward picked up a thigh injury while on international duty with the Super Eagles of Nigeria last December. The 24-year-old played 89 minutes in the Super Eagles 2-1 loss to Rwanda, and that was his last game for club and country.

Leverkusen's head coach, Xabi Alonso, predicted the Nigerian forward would be out for a while, but a timeline for his return was not given. While the Spaniard admitted Boniface's absence was a big blow for his side, Die Werkself have gone from strength without the 2023/2024 Bundesliga rookie of the Year award winner.

Since the November International break, the German Champions have won all of the eight games they've been involved in, across the league and in Europe. Patrik Schick, in that time, has led the line brilliantly for the Bay Arena faithful, scoring nine goals in five starts across all competitions.

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Ahead of Leverkusen's clash against Borussia Dortmund, the club have revealed that Boniface will still continue his spell on the sidelines after suffering a setback in his recovery journey, as per their official website.

“Jonas Hofmann, Amine Adli and Victor Boniface are still sidelined. The return of the Nigerian has been delayed due a minor setback in his rehab.

Winter signing Alejo Sarco was also not on the team sheet as the Argentinian is gradually being introduced to the squad and match action,” the club statement read.

It remains to be seen whether Boniface will recover in time before Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in March 2025. It is also worth noting he missed three months of action during the start of 2024 due to the same thigh injury.

The Nigerian fans will be hoping he returns to full fitness and to tip-top form, as they need all hands on deck to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Die Werkself are away to Borussia Dortmund on Friday, 10 January, with kick-off time slated for 20:30 WAT.