Victor Boniface: AC Milan right all along? Glass cannon suffers yet another fitness setback

Werder Bremen striker Victor Boniface is facing renewed fitness concerns after sustaining a knock in training this week, casting doubt over both his Bundesliga involvement this weekend and a possible recall to the Super Eagles.

The 24-year-old forward, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, was involved in a challenge with teammate Julian Malatini during Tuesday’s session and appeared in discomfort, clutching his right foot. Although he managed to finish training after treatment, Boniface looked cautious and continued to test his injured foot throughout the session.

On Thursday, the Nigeria international was restricted to an individual program inside the Weserstadion. Coach Horst Steffen admitted the club must “keep an eye on him for obvious reasons,” though he expects Boniface to rejoin full training on Friday and be available for Saturday’s home match against FC St. Pauli.

Boniface’s Super Eagles future in question 

Boniface’s situation has broader implications beyond Bremen. His lack of match sharpness could cost him a place in Nigeria’s squad for October’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

Head coach Eric Chelle has yet to announce his roster, but the striker’s fragile fitness raises the possibility that he will be overlooked once again.

If omitted, it would mark the first time the Akure-born forward has missed back-to-back international windows, having already been left out in September.

Since joining Bremen late in the summer transfer window, Boniface has featured in three Bundesliga matches but has yet to make a strong impression. 

Hampered by muscle injuries and fitness struggles at Leverkusen last season, he is still working his way back to full form. Steffen remains optimistic, insisting, “We’re on the way to him reaching his best,” but acknowledges that process “will take a while.”