‘We are all Boniface!’ – Bremen coach endorses Super Eagles striker’s ‘banger boy’ style

Werder Bremen coach Horst Steffen has given his backing to striker Victor Boniface, praising the 24-year-old’s personality and integration since arriving at the club. 

He joined the four-time Bundesliga champions on loan from Bayer Leverkusen this summer and has already provided an assist in his brief appearances.

Speaking ahead of Bremen’s Bundesliga fixture against Bayern Munich, Steffen highlighted Boniface’s character as much as his footballing ability. “I’ve come to know him as a very likeable person; he’s very personable, approachable, and dedicated to the team.

“We laugh a lot together; I think it’s nice when a player has such a sense of humour and shows such joy. He fits right into our group. I don’t know what others say or how it was elsewhere.” Steffen told Süddeutsche Zeitung.

Boniface continuing to attract off-field spotlight

Boniface endured a difficult campaign last season, blighted by injuries and erratic form as Leverkusen fell short in their title defence. His loan to Bremen was viewed as an opportunity to reignite his career and position himself for a Super Eagles recall ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

While his German employers are counting on him to deliver on the pitch, the Super Eagles star has also attracted attention off it. A controversial post on Snapchat drew criticism for being disrespectful towards women, with detractors in Nigeria branding him unserious. 

The episode nonetheless caught global attention after Canadian rapper Drake commented on the post and later sent the striker a branded OVO bag, propelling him further into the spotlight.

So far, Boniface’s footballing impact has been modest. He has played only 45 minutes across two substitute outings, creating a goal in Bremen’s 4-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach, but struggling to impress and attracting criticism for his showing in the 3-0 defeat to Freiburg. Expectations remain high as he seeks consistency in the Bundesliga.