By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 30, 2025

Werder Bremen coach Horst Steffen has praised Victor Boniface’s dedication to the team, describing the Nigerian striker as a likeable and personable addition to the squad since his loan move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Speaking after Bremen’s Bundesliga fixture against Bayern Munich, Steffen highlighted Boniface’s character as much as his footballing ability.

“I’ve come to know him as a very likeable person; he’s very personable, approachable, and dedicated to the team. We laugh a lot together; I think it’s nice when a player has such a sense of humour and shows such joy. He fits right into our group. I don’t know what others say or how it was elsewhere,” Steffen told Süddeutsche Zeitung.

The 24-year-old joined the four-time Bundesliga champions on loan this summer and has already provided an assist in his brief appearances.

Boniface endured a difficult campaign last season, blighted by injuries and erratic form as Leverkusen fell short in their title defence. His loan to Bremen was viewed as an opportunity to reignite his career and position himself for a Super Eagles recall ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

While his German employers are counting on him to deliver on the pitch, the Super Eagles star has also attracted attention off it. A controversial post on Snapchat drew criticism for being disrespectful towards women, with detractors in Nigeria branding him unserious.

The episode nonetheless caught global attention after Canadian rapper Drake commented on the post and later sent the striker a branded OVO bag, propelling him further into the spotlight.

So far, Boniface’s footballing impact has been modest. He has had three substitute outings, creating a goal in Bremen’s 4-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach, but struggling to impress and attracting criticism for his showing in the 3-0 defeat to Freiburg.

He came on in the 61st minute last weekend against Bayern, but was unable to make an impact, although he had a goal ruled out.

Steffen had earlier stated that Boniface was yet to reach his best level, noting that the striker needed more game time to hit top form.

“You can already see that he is getting better and better in his stride. He scored a goal against Bayern Munich, but it was unfortunately offside. But he’ll keep on trying,” Steffen said via Kicker.

“It’s clear, we need him and have to get him into shape to be at his best. In my opinion, he’s just not there yet. Accordingly, we’re continuing to work on it. We’re very happy with it – and he knows it.”

Before he was shipped out on loan at Leverkusen, Boniface had two impressive seasons amid injury worries, scoring 22 goals in 42 league games. Expectations remain high as he seeks consistency in the Bundesliga and works towards regaining his place in the Super Eagles squad.

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 30, 2025

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