Victor Boniface underwent the procedure on Saturday in Innsbruck, Austria, at a time when the national team were locked in a tense quarter-final clash against Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Nigeria emerged 2–0 winners, with goals from Osimhen and Akor Adams.
A video shared on Sunday by sports content creator Calister Enejele on Instagram captured the moment players took turns to encourage the forward, who last featured for the Super Eagles in May 2025.
“I just want to wish you a speedy recovery. I know you’re strong and you will come back stronger,” Ndidi said.
“Wish you a quick recovery. I believe you will come back stronger,” Osimhen added.
Sevilla striker Adams also offered words of comfort, saying, “I may not completely understand what it feels like, but I wish you all the strength and God’s healing.”
Other squad members, including Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu, joined in sending messages of support to the forward, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Victor Boniface is recovering at the hospital after the surgery.
Werder Bremen had earlier confirmed that the striker would miss the remainder of the campaign after opting for surgery on a knee injury, bringing an early end to a difficult loan spell from Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite his long-term absence, Bremen stated that the existing loan agreement will remain in place until the end of the campaign. This means the forward will continue his contract with the River Islanders until June 30, 2026.
The injury setback closes a frustrating chapter for the Nigerian international, who struggled for rhythm during his limited time on the pitch. He made 11 appearances in the Bundesliga, starting only twice and logging 325 minutes across all competitions.
Following the operation, the striker has now begun his rehabilitation process. In a short video shared on Snapchat on Sunday, he was seen working closely with a physiotherapist, performing light leg stretches before walking with the aid of a support device.
The 2025–2026 season proved challenging, marked by persistent fitness issues and a dip in form. He failed to score in 11 Bundesliga outings, registering two assists before injury cut his campaign short.
Although medical experts had initially advised immediate surgery, the 25-year-old sought further opinions before making the decision earlier this month. No specific timeline has been given for his return to competitive action, but his focus is firmly on regaining full fitness ahead of next season.
https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/12/super-eagles-of-nigeria-rally-around-victor-boniface-after-successful-knee-surgery/