Victor Boniface: Leverkusen Manager Erik ten Hag Shares Honest Truth on Nigerian Star
- Victor Boniface will have to battle to reclaim his spot in the Bayer Leverkusen squad, according to head coach Erik ten Hag
- The Nigerian international Boniface was absent from the team’s recent 3-3 draw against Werder, following a collapsed transfer to AC Milan
- Ten Hag confirmed that the Super Eagles star has continued to train with the team, but he must now compete for the starting shirt
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag has opened up on Victor Boniface's current situation at the German club.
The former Manchester United manager disclosed that the striker must prove himself to reclaim a place in the squad.
Boniface missed out during their 3-3 draw on Saturday, and his omission comes barely a week after his failed move to AC Milan.
Source: Getty Images
The Nigerian international was on the verge of completing his switch, but the deal collapsed due to failed medicals.
A deal had already been agreed upon, with a €5 million loan fee and a €24 million buy option, and he was in the city for tests, Vanguard reports.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that AC Milan were forced to call off the deal. He posted on X:
"AC Milan call Victor Boniface deal off as Nigerian striker did not pass the medical tests.
"Despite verbal agreement for €5m loan fee and €24m buy clause with player in Milano in the last 48h, deal called off due to medical."
He was not even on the bench against Werder Bremen, and after the game, Ten Hag told Soccernet.
"Last week he wasn’t there, and therefore he wasn’t in the squad. When he is there, then he can be part of the group.
"He trained with us the last two days, but now he has to fight for his place. When he is training every day, the whole week, then he can fight for his position.”
Czech striker Patrik Schick currently plays in that position, and the striker grabbed a brace, confirming Ten Hag's confidence in him.
Schick had displaced Boniface under the ousted manager Xabi Alonso, even though the Nigerian star initially lit up the Bundesliga.
It was a historic debut season for Boniface in Germany when he led Leverkusen to their historic first-ever Bundesliga title.
Source: Getty Images
He later bagged the prestigious Rookie of the Season award during the 2023-2024 campaign, after scoring 14 league goals in 21 matches.
It was gathered that his relationship with the Leverkusen hierarchy soured following his push for a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Nigerian football fan Lucky Ucheibe urged the striker to move elsewhere if possible. Ucheibe told Legit.ng:
"I think Boniface's time at Leverkusen is up. There is still a day before the close of the summer transfer window, and I hope he's still able to move elsewhere.
"Schick has been fantastic in that striking position, and with Ten Hag under pressure not to lose any more games, it'll be tough for Boniface to get the starting shirt again."
Eric Chelle ignores Boniface for Rwanda, South Africa
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his final 23-man squad ahead of two must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa next month.
The list, released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is packed with experienced and young players as the three-time African champions prepare for the crucial games. Victor Boniface was not included in the squad.
Source: Legit.ng
