Victor Boniface update. African footballers. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is getting close to returning after a two-month injury break. The Nigerian forward has been out since November with a thigh muscle injury but could be back next week, says manager Xabi Alonso.
“Boniface could return next week, but he still needs more training,” Alonso told reporters ahead of their Bundesliga match with Mainz. Before the injury, the 24-year-old had been in great form, scoring eight goals in 15 matches this season.
Boniface’s return will be a boost for Leverkusen, who are second in the Bundesliga, just four points behind Bayern Munich. However, Boniface had a slight setback in his recovery, which kept him out of Leverkusen’s first game of the year against Borussia Dortmund.
His return could lead to competition with Patrik Schick, who has been performing well in Boniface’s absence.
Read also: Top five African footballers to watch in 2025
“We want everyone to fight for their spot and help the team,” Alonso told Nigerian journalist Oma Akatugba. “With many games ahead, all players will get their chances. But the goal is to have both Schick and Boniface in top form.”
Boniface joined Leverkusen in 2023 after a successful spell with Belgian side Royale Union SG, where he scored 21 goals and provided 10 assists last season. He will hope to return soon as Leverkusen faces a busy period, with five matches in 15 days, including a Champions League game against Atletico Madrid on January 21.