Victor Boniface is set to undergo surgery in the coming days, a development that could rule him out for the remainder of the season. The news marks a difficult turning point in what has already been a challenging period for the Nigerian forward, both physically and emotionally.
Boniface confirmed the personal weight of his situation with a heartfelt message, revealing the hidden strain he has been carrying. “I’ve been putting on a fake smile for almost a year, but God knows why all this is happening. I’m grateful to Him,” he said. The statement suggests a long battle behind the scenes, with injuries and setbacks taking a toll beyond what has been visible on the pitch.
The timing of the surgery effectively brings his loan spell to a disappointing end. During his temporary stay, Boniface made eleven appearances but failed to score, registering only two assists. For a striker known for his physical presence and goal threat, the numbers reflect a period that never fully came together, shaped largely by fitness issues and interrupted rhythm.
What makes the situation more complex is that this loan was seen as an opportunity for Boniface to rebuild momentum and confidence. Instead, it became a stop-start journey marked by frustration, limited impact, and now an early conclusion due to injury.
Despite the struggles on loan, Boniface remains a long-term asset for Bayer Leverkusen, where he is under contract until 2028. The German club will now shift focus toward his recovery and long-term fitness rather than short-term performance. Surgery is expected to be a key step in resolving the issues that have followed him for much of the past year.
His words about wearing a “fake smile” offer insight into the emotional weight carried by players whose careers are interrupted by injuries. While fans often judge performances alone, moments like this highlight the psychological battles that exist alongside the physical ones.
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There is currently no confirmed timeline for his return, only the understanding that the procedure could end his season. The priority will be rehabilitation, stability, and a full reset — physically and mentally — ahead of his next competitive chapter.
For Boniface, this is not just the end of a loan spell, but the closing of a difficult chapter defined by pain, patience, and perseverance — one he now hopes will lead to a stronger return rather than a lasting setback.
