Werden Bremen boss dismisses Boniface ‘bad character’ rumours

Werder Bremen manager Steffen Horst has firmly shut down swirling rumours questioning Victor Boniface’s professionalism, insisting the Nigerian striker has shown nothing but commitment since arriving at the club.

The Super Eagles forward has endured a tough run of form, but his coach maintains that criticisms about attitude are entirely unfounded.

Boniface has faced intense scrutiny this season, both from club supporters and Nigerian fans, due to his ongoing goal drought and limited impact on the pitch.

After his failed summer move to AC Milan, attributed partly to concerns about his injury record, the 24-year-old joined Werder Bremen on loan on deadline day. But his start in Germany has been far from ideal, with only two assists in nine appearances, most of them as a substitute.

This form has led critics to label him unmotivated or distracted, especially given his active social media presence. But Horst dismissed the claims outright when asked before Bremen’s clash with FC Köln.

“Who comes up with the idea of making such a statement?” he said via Kicker, adding, “There are always plenty of ways not to observe training. Therefore, I don’t know where that comes from, and I don’t want to say anything more about it.”

The coach stressed he has experienced zero disciplinary issues with Boniface, calling him a “solid professional” and rejecting any insinuation of laziness.

Beyond the character debate, Boniface’s on-field struggles remain a concern. He has not scored a competitive goal in eight months for club or country, managing just three goals across the entire calendar year.

Yet, his determination has been evident, and every cameo has shown a player desperate to rediscover his rhythm, even if the finishing touch continues to evade him.

As Werder Bremen head into a favourable matchup against an FC Köln side that has conceded 19 goals in 11 games, the Nigerian striker sees an opportunity to finally break the spell.

A single goal could transform his confidence, and when Boniface is firing, he is known to be one of the most dangerous forwards in the Bundesliga.