Hannover 96 have emerged as surprise suitors for Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface, with the German second-tier club reportedly considering a move to give the Nigerian forward another chance to revive his career in Germany.
According to German outlet Neupresse, Boniface is among several attacking options being monitored by Hannover ahead of the close of the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old remains under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until June 2029, giving the Bundesliga club significant control over his future.
Boniface returned to Leverkusen after a disappointing loan spell at Werder Bremen during the 2025/26 season, where he failed to score in 11 appearances.
His struggles at Bremen came after an injury-hit spell that had also disrupted his progress at Leverkusen.
However, the Nigerian appears to have dramatically altered his situation during the current pre-season.
Boniface returned to training under head coach Carles Martínez Novell and quickly reminded everyone of his attacking threat, scoring twice within four minutes during Leverkusen’s emphatic 7-0 victory over Sportfreunde Baumberg in July.
He continued to make an impact after coming on at half-time against Kickers Offenbach later that month, playing a key role in two second-half goals as Leverkusen secured a 3-1 victory.
His biggest statement came on August 15 against Newcastle United.
Coming off the bench, Boniface produced a moment of individual brilliance before calmly finishing in the 82nd minute to give Leverkusen a 2-1 victory.
The resurgence has complicated any potential move away from the club, particularly as Boniface has reportedly set himself an ambitious target of scoring at least 20 goals during the 2026/27 campaign.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has acknowledged that the striker is still building towards full 90-minute fitness, although his physical condition is understood to have improved significantly compared with the spring.
Competition for attacking places at Leverkusen remains fierce, with Patrik Schick and Christian Kofane also competing for roles in the forward line.
Boniface’s market value has also dropped dramatically from a previous peak of €40 million to around €5 million in the latest transfer data, potentially making him an appealing gamble for Hannover.
However, his wages and long-term Leverkusen contract could make a permanent deal difficult.
A loan move could therefore prove more realistic, allowing Hannover to offer Boniface regular playing time while Leverkusen retain control of the Nigerian’s long-term future.
For Boniface, a move to Hannover could provide another route back to prominence in German football — but his recent resurgence may have made Leverkusen less willing to let him go.
