Bayer Leverkusen Coach Reveals What Victor Boniface Must Do to Revive His Career

According to a report by Soccernet on Friday, October 9, 2026, Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface could receive more playing opportunities at Bayer Leverkusen following an injury setback to Cameroon international Christian Kofane, with head coach Carles Martínez identifying the Nigerian as an option for the Bundesliga side’s upcoming fixtures.

Boniface has struggled to secure regular football at Leverkusen in recent seasons, with recurring knee problems and fitness concerns affecting his involvement. The 25-year-old, who previously established himself as an important member of the club’s attack, has managed just five minutes of action across all competitions this season.

The Nigerian forward has also fallen behind Kofane and Patrik Schick in the competition for the centre-forward position, making it difficult for him to regain the prominence he enjoyed during Leverkusen’s successful 2023-24 campaign.

However, Kofane’s injury while representing Cameroon on international duty could create an opening for Boniface to increase his involvement in the coming weeks.

Leverkusen are preparing for their Bundesliga meeting with Mainz, and Martínez has confirmed that Kofane will be unavailable for the encounter. The coach acknowledged that the Nigerian could benefit from the situation, although Schick remains an important option in attack.

Speaking ahead of the match, Martínez explained that Kofane’s absence had opened up a position and that the team would require contributions from several players because of the number of minutes expected in the coming weeks.

He added that Boniface would be considered for the role, while stressing that Leverkusen were satisfied with Schick and had confidence in other members of the squad.

The coach’s comments suggest that Boniface has an opportunity to improve his standing, provided he can take advantage of the chances that come his way.

Martínez also offered an encouraging update on the striker’s fitness, confirming that he was training fully every day and that his knee was fine.

Although Boniface has not featured regularly, the coach indicated that the forward could be included in the squad for the Mainz game if everything went well. He also highlighted the Nigerian’s ability to help the team score goals and contribute in other areas.

Boniface will now be hoping to turn that confidence into meaningful playing time after a difficult period at the BayArena.

The striker previously played a significant role in Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga campaign in the 2023-24 season, demonstrating the attacking quality that made him an important member of the team.

Interest from Dutch club Feyenoord and German side Hannover failed to produce a move during the summer, leaving Boniface at Leverkusen.

With Kofane sidelined for several weeks, the Super Eagles forward has an opportunity to work his way back into contention, although he must still compete with Schick for a starting position.

His immediate task is to remain fit and make the most of any opportunities offered by Martínez, beginning with Leverkusen’s trip to Mainz on Saturday.

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