Victor Boniface’s struggle for form at Werder Bremen continued in the 1-1 draw away to Mainz on 1 November, and the club’s manager Horst Steffen has said that the Nigerian forward must raise his level, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles striker is on loan from Bayer Leverkusen for the 2025 to 2026 season, but his impact so far has fallen below expectations.
Bremen laboured for long periods during the match, and Mainz took the lead through Silvan Widmer in the 36th minute. Bremen did well to fight back late on, with Jens Stage producing an 86th minute volley to rescue a point, but the performance again revealed the team’s attacking issues.
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Boniface had only a small influence in the game, and his wait for a league goal with the club continued. He has made six Bundesliga appearances this season, with a total of 195 minutes played, no goal scored and one assist provided.
“He tried to hold onto the ball up front. Today I thought to myself: Come on, he can do even better,” Steffen said after the match, as reported by Pulse Sports.
The 24-year-old has been dealing with fitness and weight challenges that have affected his speed and stamina. Bremen have reportedly put him on a specialised physical programme.
The Nigerian forward arrived at Bremen with expectations to rebuild his confidence after a difficult summer in which a move to AC Milan collapsed, and his form now raises questions about his rhythm, conditioning and mental sharpness.
The tactical shift from a title chasing Leverkusen side to a Bremen team that spends long stretches defending has also tested his adaptation.
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