‘Not yet where he should be’ — Ten Hag rules Boniface out of starting for Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Victor Boniface will not be in contention for a starting role in Friday’s DFB-Pokal clash against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach.

The Nigerian striker is still working his way back to peak condition after a challenging previous season.

Boniface enjoyed a strong debut campaign at Leverkusen, but last season saw him struggle for form, eventually losing his starting place to Patrik Schick.

Since Ten Hag’s arrival, the Super Eagles forward has mostly appeared as a substitute in pre-season matches, sparking questions over his role in the team.

Addressing reporters at his pre-match press conference, the former Manchester United boss gave a clear update on the striker’s situation. “Boni is making progress, but he’s not yet where he should be,” Ten Hag said, as quoted by Bild.

The coach’s comments suggest Boniface may have to wait before being given a more prominent role in competitive fixtures.

While Boniface’s immediate future at club level appears to involve a supporting role, the forward remains eager to prove himself.

The 23-year-old will aim to use training sessions and substitute appearances to win back Ten Hag’s trust and reclaim a spot in the starting lineup.

With Nigeria preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September, his form over the coming weeks will be crucial.

A return to sharpness could see him not only re-establish his place at Leverkusen but also secure his role in the national team setup ahead of important international fixtures.