Bayer Leverkusen Sporting Director Simon Rolfes has outlined what Nigerian striker Victor Boniface must do to force his way back into the club's starting lineup ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Boniface enjoyed a dream debut campaign after joining Leverkusen in the summer of 2023, playing a pivotal role in the club's historic Bundesliga title triumph under then-manager Xabi Alonso.

The Nigerian forward scored 21 goals and provided nine assists in 34 appearances during his first season in Germany, earning widespread acclaim and collecting four Bundesliga Rookie of the Month awards as Leverkusen completed an unbeaten domestic campaign.

However, his progress was derailed by injury problems the following season. Boniface struggled to maintain his previous levels, finishing the 2024/25 campaign with 11 goals and one assist in 27 matches.

His difficulties were compounded by two unsuccessful transfer moves, first to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr and later to Italian giants AC Milan, where concerns over his knee condition reportedly became a major issue.

A subsequent loan spell at Werder Bremen failed to revive his fortunes. Persistent knee problems and fitness concerns limited his impact, and the striker endured a frustrating stint without scoring in 11 appearances.

The difficult period eventually led to surgery last December. Although Boniface worked his way back to full training by April and returned to the matchday squad, he was unable to feature in a competitive game before the end of his loan spell.

Despite the setbacks, Rolfes remains confident that the Super Eagles striker can rediscover his best form.

Providing an update on Boniface's condition, the Leverkusen executive revealed that the player's knee is no longer a major concern. However, he stressed that improving his physical condition and managing his weight will be crucial if he hopes to regain a prominent role in the team.

"The knee looks pretty good today. But the weight is a bit of his weak spot. It's our goal to get him back in top form. Then he has a chance to play for many teams," Rolfes told Sport Bild.

The former Germany international also emphasized that Boniface's contributions to Leverkusen's title-winning campaign have not been forgotten by the club.

"We text every few days. We will never forget what Boniface did for us in the season we won the league. That's when he embodied what we needed, this attack mode," Rolfes added.

The comments suggest that while Boniface remains highly valued at Leverkusen, his path back into the starting lineup will depend largely on regaining peak fitness and shedding excess weight after a challenging period marked by injuries and inconsistent form.

The 25-year-old remains under contract at the BayArena until 2028 and will be eager to use pre-season preparations to convince the club's coaching staff that he can once again become a key figure in the team's attack.

With Leverkusen set to compete in the UEFA Europa League after finishing sixth in the Bundesliga, Boniface could have an important role to play if he succeeds in returning to the level that made him one of Germany's most feared forwards just two seasons ago.