Victor Boniface’s difficult spell at Werder Bremen has taken a fresh turn, with club legend Aílton launching a brutal assessment of the Nigerian striker’s current condition.
The former Bundesliga top scorer did not hold back, insisting Boniface must urgently improve his fitness if he is to have any impact before the end of the season. According to Aílton, the 25-year-old’s physical shape has become a major concern following his return from injury.
“His belly is unbelievable. He absolutely has to lose weight,” the Brazilian said, casting serious doubt over Boniface’s ability to contribute meaningfully in the run-in.
Boniface only recently resumed training after recovering from a knee injury that kept him sidelined for months. The forward had undergone surgery and only returned ahead of schedule, but concerns over his conditioning have overshadowed any optimism about his comeback.
Since joining Bremen on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, the Super Eagles striker has struggled to make an impact. He has failed to score in 11 league appearances, managing just a couple of assists in a season disrupted by injuries and inconsistent fitness levels.
Despite the growing criticism, head coach Daniel Thioune has taken a more cautious approach. The Bremen boss insists Boniface will only be reintroduced when he reaches the required level of fitness, stressing that the striker could still play a role in selected matches as the club battles to avoid relegation.
Bremen’s situation in the Bundesliga remains delicate, with the club hovering just above the drop zone and in need of attacking reinforcements. Boniface was expected to provide that edge, especially after his standout performances during Leverkusen’s historic title-winning campaign in 2024.
However, his current struggles paint a different picture.
The coming weeks will be decisive, not just for Bremen’s survival hopes, but for Boniface himself, who now faces mounting pressure to prove he can rediscover both his sharpness and professionalism at the highest level.
