In a significant setback for Nigerian football, Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the season following successful knee surgery. The procedure, conducted on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Innsbruck, Austria, ends any hopes of an immediate return for the prolific forward.
Medical Decision Ends Comeback Hopes
Werder Bremen, the Bundesliga club where Boniface is currently on loan, confirmed the news after extensive medical consultations. The club stated that doctors from both Werder Bremen and his parent club, Bayer Leverkusen, jointly agreed that surgery was the only viable option following a review by a specialist.
The operation was performed by renowned knee specialist, Prof. Dr. Christian Fink, who had examined the 25-year-old striker just a day prior. In an official statement, Werder Bremen confirmed that "forward Victor Boniface will be unavailable for the next few months" due to the required rehabilitation period.
Double Blow: Club and Country Impact
This injury represents a double blow for Boniface, effectively closing the door on his participation for both his club and the Nigerian national team in the critical months ahead. The most immediate casualty is his absence from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco.
Despite being named in the provisional squad by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, the same knee issue has now definitively ruled him out of the tournament. Furthermore, Werder Bremen has indicated that the length of the recovery process means Boniface is not expected to feature again this Bundesliga season.
A Season of Struggle and Future Uncertainty
Boniface's loan spell at Werder Bremen has been plagued by misfortune. Since joining in the summer, injuries have severely limited his impact. He managed only 11 appearances across all competitions, failing to score and registering just two assists before this latest setback sidelined him.
He missed Bremen's final two matches of 2025 and was unable to complete full training sessions leading into the winter break. Peter Niemeyer, Head of Professional Football at Werder Bremen, noted that the surgical decision at least provides clarity for all parties involved. The club confirmed his loan deal will remain intact until season's end.
This injury adds to a concerning history for the striker, who previously suffered two cruciate ligament tears during his time at Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt before his successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen. His future now hinges entirely on a successful rehabilitation, with hopes that he can finally move past his persistent injury troubles.
For Nigeria, losing a player of Boniface's calibre—a key figure in Leverkusen's 2023/24 title win with 14 league goals—is a stark reminder of the fine margins at elite-level football. The Super Eagles must now navigate their AFCON campaign without one of their most potent attacking threats.
