Victor Boniface: Werder Bremen to make key decision on Super Eagles star ahead of Augsburg clash

Werder Bremen head coach Daniel Thioune has provided an update on the availability of Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface ahead of Saturday’s clash against Augsburg, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian forward joined Werder Bremen on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, but his campaign has been disrupted by injuries, which has forced him to miss majority of the season.

The 25-year-old underwent surgery to address a recurring knee problem last year and spent months on the sidelines. He only recently returned to training and was included in the matchday squad for the first time since December during last weekend’s 1-1 draw against VfB Stuttgart, although he remained an unused substitute.

Boniface was also left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco due to injury, with the Super Eagles securing a record ninth bronze medal at the tournament.

So far this season, the Nigerian forward has been limited to just 11 Bundesliga appearances for Werder Bremen, providing two assists in those games.

Werder Bremen coach casts doubt over Boniface’s availability 

Werder Bremen host Augsburg at the Weserstadion on Saturday in a crucial Matchday 32 Bundesliga clash, knowing that a win could be enough to secure their top-flight status for next season.

Speaking ahead of the game, Daniel Thioune confirmed the return of several players from injury but admitted that selection decisions would be difficult, raising doubts about Boniface’s involvement.

“I work with the players I have available. We had 20 players in the squad in Stuttgart, so we’ll have some decisions to make this weekend with Marco Friedl and Marco Grüll coming back”, the head coach told Werder Bremen official website.

“That doesn’t mean, for example, that Victor Boniface was only involved last time because of the personnel situation. I pick the squad based on how we want to approach the game.

“We’ll make the final call after the last training session and then see who makes the matchday squad. I’m happy to be in a position where I have decisions to make, rather than just having to manage the situation.”

Given Thioune’s latest comments, Boniface will now need to impress in training as he hopes to make a stronger impact in the few remaining matches of the season.