Heidenheim 2-2 Bremen: Victor Boniface hangs onto bench role as Super Eagles snub fear grows

A frustrating 22-minute cameo for Victor Boniface in Werder Bremen's dramatic 2-2 draw with 1. FC Heidenheim at the Voith-Arena has amplified concerns over the striker's continuous bench role and its potential impact on his Super Eagles selection prospects. 

The Nigerian forward entered the high-scoring affair in the 68th minute, managing a late, on-target header but failing to secure a crucial win for the visitors on Saturday evening.

The result was a high-octane affair typical of this fixture’s history, which has produced 20 goals in their last four Bundesliga meetings. 

Bremen twice led through goals from Grüll (47’) and Stage (78’), only for Heidenheim's substitutes, Schimmer (57’) and Föhrenbach (88’), to equalise and salvage a point for the home side, who remain rooted to the foot of the table.

Boniface, who is on loan at Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen, was recently omitted from the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, a decision that didn’t move many Nigerian fans. 

The limited game time, only four total Bundesliga appearances and zero starts so far this season, provides a crucial context for national team coach Eric Chelle’s decision.

The striker's solitary scoring chance came ten minutes after his introduction when he rose highest from a free-kick, only for his guided header to be kept out by Heidenheim's alert goalkeeper, Ramaj. 

This moment was a flash of the goal-poaching threat Boniface is known for, but it ultimately couldn't impact the scoreline.

Bremen’s struggles at the back continued, having now conceded 14 goals in their six league games, the highest in the league, despite scoring nine. 

The draw moves them to 8 points, just one point above the relegation playoff spot, heightening pressure on Coach Horst Steffen to find a consistent system.

For Boniface, the implications are severe. With the next Super Eagles squad announcement looming, failure to secure a starting role or at least more substantial minutes in the upcoming club fixtures will likely keep the Super Eagles door shut. 

His former club, Bayer Leverkusen, will also be closely monitoring his progress, as his loan spell was intended to reignite a career that was hampered by injuries. 

The clock is ticking for the Nigerian striker to reclaim the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards.