In a significant blow to both club and country, Nigerian international striker Victor Boniface has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the football season. His German club, Werder Bremen, confirmed the devastating news that the Super Eagles star requires knee surgery, sidelining him for several months.
Season Over for Boniface After Medical Verdict
The 25-year-old forward, who is on loan at Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen, will undergo a surgical procedure following consultations with a specialist in Austria. The injury had already forced him to miss the final two matches of 2025 and prevented him from participating in training sessions.
This development also definitively rules him out of Nigeria's squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a major tournament where his presence was highly anticipated. Club doctor Peter Niemeyer provided clarity on the situation, stating, "We are happy that we now have a solution to let Victor perform a surgery. There is clarity for all parties."
Loan Deal and Rehabilitation Timeline
Despite the long-term injury, Werder Bremen confirmed that Boniface's loan deal until the end of the 2025/26 season will not be terminated early. The decision regarding the surgery was made in collaboration with medical staff from his parent club, Bayer Leverkusen.
Dr. Niemeyer elaborated on the recovery outlook, noting, "Due to the rehabilitation process, we no longer assume that Victor will still be available for Werder this season." This timeline confirms the striker will not feature again for Bremen in the current campaign.
Boniface's stint at Bremen this season saw him make 11 appearances without scoring a goal. This is a stark contrast to his prolific form at Bayer Leverkusen, where he established himself as a top marksman. During his time with Die Werkself, he netted an impressive 22 goals in 42 Bundesliga matches. His most notable contribution came in the 2023/24 season, where his 14 league goals were instrumental in Leverkusen's historic title-winning campaign.
Major Setback for Club and Country
The implications of this injury are far-reaching:
- For Werder Bremen: They lose a key attacking option for the rest of their season as they navigate Bundesliga challenges.
- For the Super Eagles: Nigeria's national team is deprived of a potent striker for the Africa Cup of Nations, forcing a tactical rethink.
- For Boniface: The player faces a challenging rehabilitation process to return to the peak fitness that made him a Bundesliga champion.
This injury represents a cruel twist in the career of a player who was looking to reignite his form at Bremen. Fans of both the Super Eagles and his clubs will now have to wait until next season to see Victor Boniface back in action on the pitch.
