Exclusive: Erik ten Hag speaks on Victor Boniface’s future at Bayer Leverkusen

Erik ten Hag and Victor Boniface. Photos by Imago & Lolade Adewuyi

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is the current manager of Victor Boniface at Bayer Leverkusen…

Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag has admitted that Super Eagles attacker Victor Boniface must prove himself to reclaim a place in the squad, Soccernet.ng can exclusively report. 

The 24-year-old was absent as the Bundesliga champions were held to a 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen on Saturday.

His omission comes just weeks after a failed loan move to AC Milan. Meanwhile, GiveMeSports recently reported a possible late switch to West Ham United.

Speaking after the draw in Bremen, the former Manchester United manager revealed that Boniface has to work harder to regain his place.

“Last week he wasn’t there, and therefore he wasn’t in the squad. When he is there, then he can be part of the group,” the Dutch tactician told Soccernet.ng.

“He trained with us the last two days, but now he has to fight for his place. When he is training every day, the whole week, then he can fight for his position.”

Soccer Schick’s Form Keeps Boniface on the Bench

That position currently belongs to Czech striker Patrik Schick, who netted a brace against Bremen and has become Ten Hag’s preferred option up front.

Schick had already displaced Boniface under former coach Xabi Alonso last season, after the Nigerian had initially lit up the Bundesliga.

Boniface had enjoyed a dream debut campaign in Germany, firing Leverkusen to their historic first-ever Bundesliga title and clinching the Rookie of the Season award.

However, his push for a move to the Saudi Pro League at the start of last season soured his relationship with the club hierarchy.

Soccer Striker’s Club Struggles Spill Into Super Eagles Duty

With Schick in form and Ten Hag backing him as first choice, Boniface faces an uphill battle to regain prominence at Leverkusen.

His unsettled club situation has also impacted his international prospects, as he was dropped from Nigeria’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.