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Bayer Leverkusen and Super Eagles forward struggles for goals for eight months; New statistics reveal a sharp dip in output compared to his stellar debut season. Super Eagles and Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is facing an alarming crisis of confidence in front of goal, with his combined goal drought for club and country now extending to 12 consecutive matches and a lengthy period of eight months. The prolific forward, whose last goal came in a March defeat to Bochum (3-1), recently failed to score in his first club start for Werder Bremen against Union Berlin, playing 85 minutes, but registering just one shot on target and completing only one dribble from five attempts. The Barren Run: From Starter to Substitute Boniface's reduced impact is starkly highlighted by new statistics. After an explosive debut season at parent club Leverkusen where he tallied 14 goals and nine assists, a total of 23 goal involvements, he saw his output drop significantly in the subsequent campaign (2024/25), finishing the season with just 10 goal involvements across 19 league games, suggesting a dip in form had already begun. This season has seen him largely deployed as a substitute, registering just one assist across his first five appearances off the bench. The lack of match sharpness combined with a confidence issue appears to be compounding his current situation. His recent performance against Union Berlin showed he is still active in link-up play, creating one chance, one key pass, but the cutting edge required of a central striker is missing. International Woes and Injury The goal drought extends a run of poor form for the Super Eagles, for whom Boniface is yet to score a competitive goal since his international debut in 2023. His previous season was severely disrupted by an adductor injury sustained in January that ruled him out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. While the injury is not the sole reason for his current slump, the subsequent loss of rhythm and the high-pressure environment of leading the line for both club and country are taking their toll. A forward of Boniface’s calibre, known for his physicality and relentless pressure, must quickly rediscover the clinical touch to justify his place over other attacking options. Boniface’s talent is undisputed, but the 12-match barren run poses the biggest test of his young career.
