Boniface out for several weeks

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface will be sidelined for the remainder of 2024 after suffering a muscle injury while on international duty with the Super Eagles, the club’s manager Xabi Alonso confirmed, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Alonso revealed during a pre-match press conference that Boniface was expected to be out for six to eight weeks, effectively ruling him out until after the Bundesliga winter break in January 2025.

The 23-year-old sustained the injury during Nigeria’s 2-1 home loss to Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The forward, who has been a standout performer for Leverkusen this season with eight goals and one assist in 11 starts, will miss crucial fixtures including the next round of the DFB-Pokal against Bayern Munich on December 3rd and upcoming Champions League matches against RB Salzburg and Inter Milan.

“We hope that he’ll be able to play again this year, but we will have to see how his recovery progresses,” Alonso said, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the striker’s return.

The injury compounds challenges for Leverkusen, who are currently fourth in the Bundesliga, nine points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

With Amine Adli also sidelined, Alonso will rely primarily on Patrik Schick as his available forward.

Boniface’s absence comes at a difficult time, particularly following recent criticism of his performances for the Super Eagles. Despite his impressive club form, fans and interim Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen have acknowledged his struggles to replicate that success with the national team.

The striker, who has yet to score in 11 appearances for Nigeria since his debut in September 2023, continues to be backed by national team management. Eguavoen recently affirmed, “He’ll remain part of the squad,” despite ongoing performance concerns.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]