Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface is currently facing challenges with fitness and weight management following his loan move to Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen.
Werder Bremen’s Managing Director of Professional Football, Clemens Fritz, has confirmed that the club is actively supporting the Nigerian international to regain full match fitness, following reports of fitness struggles and minor weight concerns.
Boniface, 24, joined the Bundesliga side on loan after his proposed summer transfer to AC Milan collapsed. Since his arrival, the striker has made only four appearances, contributing a single assist on his debut but is yet to score his first goal for the Green-Whites.
Fritz disclosed that the club had identified the underlying issues affecting Boniface’s performance and is taking a holistic approach to help him recover.
“Together with Victor, we have clearly identified the issues and are supporting him from all angles,” Fritz told BILD. “This includes athletic training, physiotherapy, and also nutrition with appropriate advice. We are working closely with him. He accepts our support and wants to work on himself.”
Sources within the club revealed that the striker is carrying some extra weight, a condition reportedly linked to both genetic factors and a high-calorie diet. This situation has placed additional strain on his knee, which has previously suffered two cruciate ligament injuries.
Despite the setback, the club’s management has praised Boniface’s determination and professionalism.
“Victor is also working extra shifts, foregoing a day off on the weekend to train,” Fritz added, commending the striker’s commitment to getting back in top form.
Boniface’s current situation has kept him out of Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad for their recent World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, having also missed the September fixtures due to fitness issues.
The striker’s loan spell at Werder Bremen is seen as a chance to regain full fitness and prove his quality in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. His form and recovery could also determine his return to the national team setup ahead of next year’s international competitions.
