Boniface must improve — Bremen boss makes feelings clear after goal-shy Super Eagles star struggles again

Werder Bremen boss Horst Steffen has openly challenged Nigerian striker Victor Boniface to improve his performances after another goalless outing against Mainz.

Boniface was ineffective in the 1-1 draw with Mainz, recording no shots on target or goals, before being hauled off at the hour mark for Keke Topp.

This was Boniface's seventh game since joining Bremen on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, and after an assist on his debut, the goal involvements have dried up for the Super Eagles striker.

Steffen did not hide his disappointment when commenting on Boniface’s display.

“He tried to hold onto the ball up front. Today I thought to myself: Come on, he can do even better,” the coach said, as quoted by Bild.

This is not the first time Steffen has publicly criticized the striker. Earlier this season, following a 0-3 defeat to Freiburg, the coach expressed concerns over his positional discipline: “He was too ‘everywhere’ for me. He should definitely be more centrally located. It wasn’t how I wanted it.”

Steffen remains realistic about the striker’s long-term integration.

“He is still on his way, but it’s a long one,” the coach said, emphasizing the time needed for Boniface to reach his top level.