Werder Bremen coach Horst Steffen has hailed Victor Boniface’s attitude and integration into the squad, describing the Nigerian forward as a positive influence since his loan move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Speaking after Bremen’s Bundesliga clash with Bayern Munich, Steffen stressed that Boniface’s personality has been just as valuable as his footballing qualities.
“I’ve come to know him as a very likeable person; he’s personable, approachable, and committed to the team. We laugh a lot together, and I appreciate that he brings humour and joy into the group. He fits right in. I can’t speak for how things were elsewhere, but here he’s been excellent,” Steffen told Süddeutsche Zeitung.
The 24-year-old striker, who joined Bremen on loan this summer, has already registered an assist in limited appearances. Last season, his progress at Leverkusen was hampered by injuries and inconsistent form, prompting the move to Bremen as a chance to revive his career and push for a Super Eagles recall ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.
Off the pitch, Boniface has drawn attention for a controversial Snapchat post criticised as disrespectful towards women. The episode, which stirred debate in Nigeria, gained international traction after Canadian rapper Drake commented on the post and later sent Boniface a branded OVO bag, thrusting the striker into the global spotlight.
On the field, his impact remains modest. He has featured in three matches as a substitute, providing an assist in Bremen’s 4-0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach but struggling in a 3-0 defeat to Freiburg. Against Bayern, he came on in the 61st minute and had a goal disallowed for offside.
Steffen admitted that Boniface is still building form. “You can already see improvement in his rhythm. He scored against Bayern, but unfortunately it didn’t count. Still, he’ll keep pushing,” the coach said in comments to Kicker.
“It’s clear we need him, and we’re working to get him back to his best. He’s not quite there yet, but we’re happy with his progress—and he knows it.”
Before his loan move, Boniface managed 22 goals in 42 league matches across two seasons at Leverkusen, despite recurring injuries. Expectations remain high that he can rediscover his consistency in Bremen and strengthen his bid for a Super Eagles return.
