Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has officially entered the rehabilitation phase of his recovery. This follows a successful surgical procedure on his right knee in Innsbruck, Austria. The 25-year-old striker, currently on loan at Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen, underwent the operation to address a chronic injury that has plagued his recent performances.
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Boniface shared a brief update with fans via social media. The footage showed the striker engaged in light stretching exercises and utilizing a walking aid under the supervision of a specialist physiotherapist. Consequently, this update confirms that his structured recovery program is now officially underway.
A Season Cut Short by Injury
The surgery effectively ends a challenging 2025/26 campaign for the Nigerian international. Specifically, Boniface struggled with both fitness and consistency throughout the first half of the season. This resulted in a notable dip in his typical goal-scoring output:
- Bundesliga Record: 11 appearances for Werder Bremen.
- Offensive Contribution: 2 assists, with no goals scored.
- Availability: Constant interruptions due to persistent discomfort in his right knee.
Although medical staff had initially suggested surgery several weeks ago, Boniface reportedly spent time seeking secondary medical opinions. Ultimately, he decided to proceed with the operation earlier this month to ensure his long-term health.
Concerns Over Long-Term Fitness
This latest setback adds to a worrying medical history for the talented forward. Since beginning his professional career, Boniface has already navigated two major Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries.
Because of this history, the medical team in Innsbruck is expected to take an extremely cautious approach to his return. While the surgery was successful, officials have not yet set a specific date for his return to the pitch. Instead, the primary objective is to ensure he regains full structural strength to prevent future relapses.
“The operation was a necessary step to resolve a long-standing issue,” a source close to the player noted. “Consequently, the focus now is entirely on preparing for the 2026/27 pre-season.”
Impact on the Super Eagles
His absence is a significant blow for the Super Eagles, who are currently navigating a high-stakes AFCON campaign. While Nigeria boasts depth in attack with players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the team will miss Boniface’s unique physicality and hold-up play during the international break.
Boniface is expected to remain in Europe for the initial stages of his physiotherapy. Later this spring, he may move to a specialized sports science center for advanced conditioning to revitalize his career.
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