Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has offered a timely boost to Bayer Leverkusen and Nigerian football fans by signalling a key step forward in his recovery from knee surgery.

The forward, who has been sidelined in recent weeks, shared an image from Bayer Leverkusen’s gym, accompanied only by the caption “12:49pm. Leverkusen.” The understated post was enough to ignite optimism among supporters, suggesting that the powerful attacker has moved from rest and medical treatment into active rehabilitation work at the club’s facilities.

It followed an earlier message on his X account, where Boniface posted a photo of himself on the pitch with the words “Work starts tomorrow. Thank you, LORD.” The combination of both updates has been interpreted as confirmation that he has begun light training as part of a structured return-to-play programme.

Boniface, a key figure for the Super Eagles and on the books of Bayer Leverkusen, has seen his momentum interrupted by the knee problem that required surgery. Before the setback, he had built a reputation in Europe as a dynamic, physically imposing forward capable of leading the line and creating chances with his movement and link-up play.

His absence was keenly felt during Nigeria’s recent continental campaign, where the Super Eagles still managed to claim a bronze medal. Several of his international teammates sent messages of support after news of his operation emerged, underlining his growing influence within the squad and the dressing room.

While Leverkusen and the Nigerian Football Federation have not provided a specific timeline for his full return to competitive action, the latest images from the gym indicate that Boniface has cleared an important hurdle in his rehabilitation. Typically, this phase involves strength and conditioning work, controlled exercises to rebuild stability around the knee, and gradual reintroduction to football-specific movements.

Fans have flooded his social media posts with encouragement, reflecting both concern over his long-term fitness and excitement at the prospect of seeing him back for club and country. For Leverkusen, his recovery comes at a crucial period in a demanding season, while Nigeria will be monitoring his progress closely with upcoming qualifiers and tournaments on the horizon.

For now, the sight of Boniface back in Leverkusen’s gym is a reassuring sign that one of Africa’s most promising forwards is edging closer to a return.