Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface could face a tough spell at Bayer Leverkusen, as reports from Germany suggest new coach Erik Ten Hag now rates him as the club’s third-choice striker.
Boniface, 24, joined Leverkusen from Belgian side Royale Union SG two years ago and has been impressive, scoring 32 goals and providing 13 assists in 61 appearances.
When he arrived, Patrik Schick was the first-choice striker, but due to injury, then-coach Xabi Alonso handed Boniface the leading role. He shone so brightly that even after Schick returned, Alonso kept faith in him. However, injuries later sidelined the Nigerian, costing him his regular spot.
Last season, Boniface regained his place in the starting line-up but again struggled with fitness problems. Now under Ten Hag, he has had limited chances in pre-season and was left on the bench for their recent DFB Pokal win over Grossaspach.
Surprisingly, when Schick was substituted in that game, Ten Hag preferred new signing Christian Michel Kofane, who went on to score and provide an assist in the 4-0 win.
Following Kofane’s display, German outlet Bild reported that Ten Hag currently sees Boniface as third choice, behind Schick and Kofane.
Ten Hag later explained that Boniface’s lack of match fitness was the main reason for his reduced minutes. Still, with the Africa Cup of Nations coming up in December, Boniface will need regular club football to secure his place in Nigeria’s squad.
If he cannot reclaim his spot at Leverkusen, he may need to consider leaving the German champions for more playing time elsewhere