NIGERIA international Victor Boniface has become the first Bayer Leverkusen player to report for pre-season training ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with the Bundesliga club welcoming the striker back as preparations begin for the new season.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Bayer Leverkusen announced Boniface’s early return in a post on the club’s official X handle on Thursday, confirming that the Super Eagles forward was the first member of the squad to resume training after spending the off-season in Nigeria following a loan spell at Werder Bremen.
“No time to waste! Na Victor carry first report for training. Welcome back, Boniface,” the club posted on X.
After completing fitness assessments at the club’s training facilities, the Nigerian striker is expected to join his teammates for Bayer Leverkusen’s pre-season training camp in Blankenhain, near Erfurt, Germany, scheduled to hold from August 1 to 7.
Boniface enjoyed a remarkable debut season after joining Bayer Leverkusen from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2023.
The Nigerian forward scored 21 goals and registered nine assists in 34 appearances, playing a key role as Xabi Alonso’s side clinched their maiden Bundesliga title without suffering a single defeat.
His impressive performances also earned him four Bundesliga Rookie of the Month awards during that outstanding campaign.
However, injuries disrupted his momentum the following season as he struggled to replicate those impressive performances.
Boniface finished the 2024/25 season with 11 goals and one assist in 27 appearances, while concerns over recurring knee problems continued to grow.
His challenges were further compounded after proposed transfers to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and Italian giants AC Milan both collapsed, with medical concerns reportedly playing a significant role in the failed moves.
The striker’s fortunes declined further following a surprise loan move to Werder Bremen, where injuries and fitness issues severely limited his impact.
Boniface failed to score in 11 appearances for Bremen as persistent knee problems prevented him from regaining full fitness throughout his loan spell.
Despite the setbacks, Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has expressed confidence that the Nigerian forward can rediscover his best form ahead of the new campaign.
Leverkusen will open their 2026/27 Bundesliga season on August 29 with an away fixture against newly promoted SV Elversberg.