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Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has been left out of Bayer Leverkusen’s squad for the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League season, with manager Carles Martinez expressing concern over the Nigerian striker’s physical condition.
The decision means Boniface will not be part of Leverkusen’s starting squad for the European competition as he continues to work towards returning to full fitness.
Martinez explained that the decision was mainly based on the striker’s current physical condition rather than his importance to the team, expressing hope that Boniface will fully recover and become available for selection later in the competition.
The Leverkusen manager said the Nigerian is not yet physically ready to handle the demands of European football, making it necessary for the club to leave him out of the squad at this stage.
Fitness concerns behind the decision
Boniface has endured fitness issues in recent seasons, with injuries impacting his consistency and limiting his availability at various times.
The latest decision therefore appears to be a precautionary measure aimed at giving the attacker enough time to regain physical conditions rather than bringing him back into competitive action.
For a player whose game relies heavily on strength, movement and physical duels, returning to full fitness is particularly important before tackling the demands of a European campaign.
Martinez hopes that this will change as the season progresses and that Boniface can eventually be added to the squad if he reaches the required fitness level.
The door remains open
Boniface’s exclusion from the starting Europa League squad does not necessarily mean the Nigerian will miss the entire competition.
Leverkusen hope the striker can recover and regain fitness during the season, potentially making him available for inclusion at a later stage.
This prospect will provide some encouragement to the player, who remains an important attacking option when fully fit.
The club, however, will have to manage their recovery carefully to avoid another setback.
Power-up for the Super Eagles
The situation will also be closely monitored in Nigeria, given Boniface’s importance to the Super Eagles.
The striker has established himself as one of Nigeria’s main attacking options and remains part of the national team when available.
His return to full fitness would therefore be welcomed not only by Leverkusen but also by Nigeria, especially with a busy international calendar ahead of him.
For now, Boniface’s immediate priority will be to complete his recovery and return to the level required to consistently compete at the highest level.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, will begin their Europa League campaign without the Nigerian striker but hope he can recover sufficiently to contribute later in the competition.
Martinez’s comments suggest the club have not closed the door on Boniface’s European involvement, with his eventual return largely dependent on how quickly he can regain full fitness.
The Nigerian striker will now have to focus on rehabilitation and domestic opportunities as he looks to prove his fitness and fit into Leverkusen’s European plans.
