Victor Boniface endured a difficult evening at the Weser Stadium as Werder Bremen were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with FC Cologne, with the Nigerian striker once again under the microscope as he battles for form ahead of AFCON 2025.
Bremen looked set for maximum points after Marco Friedl’s 22nd-minute opener, but Said El Mala struck in stoppage time to deny the hosts victory. Boniface, brought on in the 70th minute for Keke Topp, struggled to impose himself on the match, a performance met with audible frustration from sections of the home crowd.
Fan frustration grows
During his short spell on the pitch, Boniface appeared hesitant and lost possession in key moments, failing to offer the spark Bremen hoped for. The whistles and groans that followed reflected rising impatience, especially from supporters who expected more urgency from the 24-year-old.
It was another reminder of the pressure Boniface faces as he works to rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards.
Coach Steffen stands by his striker
Despite the criticism, manager Horst Steffen refused to pile on after the match.
“We do not have to constantly evaluate individual players now,” he told Deichstube. “Maybe a goal will help him to become even stronger.”
Steffen’s comments suggest the club remains committed to helping Boniface regain confidence rather than dwelling on isolated moments of struggle.
Boniface opens up on pressure, pain and AFCON uncertainty
Speaking to the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Boniface addressed the weight of public expectations and the recurring injuries that have shaped his journey.
“In football, it is like this: if you play well one season and score goals, everyone expects you to do it the same way the next season. Otherwise people just start talking,” he said.
He also revealed he has been dealing with persistent pain since his time in Norway.
“From my time in Norway until now I have had a lot of pain, but I have made it this far. I am really happy that I managed to play football for such top clubs at all, so I do not know fear anymore. I have to live with it.”
These physical and mental battles have already cost him a place in recent Super Eagles squads. With AFCON 2025 fast approaching in Morocco, Boniface’s chances of making the final team remain uncertain unless he rediscovers both rhythm and sharpness.
What’s next?
For Bremen, the draw is a missed opportunity. For Boniface, it is another reminder that the road back to top form is rarely smooth. A goal, the very thing his coach believes could unlock his confidence, might be all he needs to change the narrative.
AFCON is on the horizon, and time is running out. The question now is whether Victor Boniface can turn perseverance into performance when it matters most.
