Victor Boniface comeback: Bayer Leverkusen chiefs Martínez and Rolfes send firm message

Victor Boniface took an important step in his comeback after scoring twice in Bayer Leverkusen's 7-0 pre-season victory over fifth-tier German club Sportfreunde Baumberg, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian striker found the net twice within four minutes, ending a long wait for a goal in a Bayer shirt after last scoring for the Bundesliga side at the end of March 2025.

The friendly certainly did not carry any competitive stake. However, it was a significant moment for the 25-year-old, whose career has been interrupted by injuries over the past year.

Boniface spent much of the 2025/26 season battling knee problems and struggling for match fitness during a loan spell at Werder Bremen, leaving many questions about whether he could return to the level that made him a multiple award winner during Bayer Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double-winning campaign in 2023/24.

After the final whistle, Boniface admitted the past year had been one of the toughest periods of his career.

“I'm doing well. I'm happy,” the striker said as per 90min.

He explained that simply being able to train and play regularly again meant everything after months on the sidelines.

“Of course, I'm happy to be training again, playing again, and doing what I love again. It's been a difficult year for me. It's a good feeling to be back.”

Although his sharp finish against Baumberg was encouraging, Boniface refused to put a timeline on returning to his very best.

“I can't say. For me, it's about continuing.”

The brace has also revived discussions about his future. Boniface remains under contract at Bayer Leverkusen until June 2028, giving the Bundesliga club full control over his next move. His market value has fallen sharply from around €40 million at its peak to about €5 million following his struggles, but his impressive start to pre-season has already changed the conversation around him.

Martínez and Rolfes urge Boniface patience

Despite Boniface's dream return, Bayer Leverkusen's new head coach Carles Martínez made it clear that the club will not rush the Nigerian back into full expectations.

The Spaniard believes the priority is rebuilding the striker physically after months away from consistent football.

“For Boni, it's important to improve physically and train with the group.”

Martínez also believes the two goals will give the striker an important mental boost as preparations continue for the new Bundesliga season.

“The most important thing is that he's a bit happier about the goals.”

Sporting director Simon Rolfes shared the same view, describing the performance as an encouraging first step rather than the finished product.

Rolfes said he was “very pleased” with Boniface's brace but reminded supporters that the Nigerian had experienced a “really difficult year overall.” He added that Boniface is already “in much better shape than in March and April,” although he stressed it will still take time before the forward reaches the level that made him a Bundesliga champion.

At the moment, Bayer appear determined to help Boniface rebuild his career rather than rush him toward immediate results. Staying at Leverkusen looks like the most likely outcome ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, although competition for a starting place remains fierce with Patrik Schick leading the attack and highly rated youngster Christian Kofane also pushing for opportunities.

A transfer remains another possible route if clubs decide to take a chance on Boniface's talent at his reduced valuation. However, any potential move is expected to depend on extensive medical examinations after previous high-profile transfers to Saudi Arabia and Serie A collapsed because of concerns over his recurring knee issues and previous ACL injuries.