Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is enduring a difficult spell since returning from injury, with concerns growing over his lack of goals.
The Nigerian forward, once a key figure in Xabi Alonso’s attacking setup, has found himself struggling for form and confidence in recent weeks.
A worrying dip in form
Boniface enjoyed a promising start to the Bundesliga season, scoring seven goals and registering an assist in 14 league appearances before suffering an injury that sidelined him for several weeks.
However, since his return in January 2025, his goal-scoring touch has deserted him.
He has managed just one goal in all competitions and has now gone four consecutive games without finding the net—an unfamiliar situation for the 24-year-old since arriving at Leverkusen.
The dry spell has seen Boniface lose his regular starting spot, with Alonso opting to bench him in Leverkusen’s last three fixtures.
The manager appears to be exploring other attacking options, a clear signal that Boniface must rediscover his form quickly if he wants to regain his place in the starting XI.
Frustration begins to show
As his struggles persist, Boniface’s frustration has become increasingly visible.
During Leverkusen’s commanding 4-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, tensions flared late in the match when the Nigerian forward clashed with teammate Emiliano Buendía.
After a heated exchange of words, Boniface was seen pushing the Argentine, prompting teammates to step in and diffuse the situation.
The incident highlights the mental toll his goal drought is taking, as his usual composure appears to be slipping.
At a time when Leverkusen are pushing for silverware, his inability to contribute on the scoresheet is undoubtedly weighing on him.
Lingering effects of a failed transfer?
Beyond his on-field struggles, Boniface is also dealing with the disappointment of a collapsed transfer to Al-Nassr during the winter window.
The move, which reportedly seemed close to completion, ultimately did not materialize.
Whether the failed deal has impacted his mindset remains unclear, but it is another challenge the striker must overcome.
Following the altercation against Frankfurt, Alonso played down the incident but acknowledged Boniface’s frustration.
He wanted to score a goal. It’s not a problem. We’ll talk about it.
The most important thing is the team, the performance, and the result, the Leverkusen coach stated.
A crucial period ahead
With Leverkusen firmly in the Bundesliga title race and competing on the European stage, the club needs all of its players at their best.
If Boniface can rediscover his confidence and sharpness in front of goal, he could still play a crucial role in the decisive months of the season.
At 24, he has the potential to overcome this difficult period, but the question remains—can he turn his frustration into motivation and recapture the form that made him one of Leverkusen’s key attacking assets?
