The Nigerian striker, who previously wore the Bayer Leverkusen jersey, arrived with several extra kilograms, which immediately became a major topic in German media. The visible change in his physical appearance has raised concerns, especially as he faces a tough return to Bundesliga level.
Werder Bremen coach Daniel Thioune tried to calm the situation. "There is no doubt he has extra weight. He knows it, and we know it. But to me, his attitude and quality are more important. I see a chance for him to become an important player again," Thioune said, adding that it is better to have such a player in the roster than not to have him at all.
Concern is not hidden in Bremen. Head of professional football Peter Niemeyer stated that he must work on his fitness. "We knew what condition he was in. Now he must work on his fitness, and we will help him. But Victor bears the greatest responsibility."
The club has repeatedly appealed to Boniface to change his dietary habits and start living like a professional. Although he is known as a lover of high-calorie food, such an approach is now seriously hindering his career.
Interestingly, the problem is no longer his injured knee, but his form. "He handled the surgery better than we expected. The knee is stable, and rehabilitation went well. But he is still not ready for the Bundesliga," Niemeyer added.
In other words, physical unpreparedness is currently a bigger obstacle than the injury itself.
And while the coaching staff still believes in his return, it is clear that Victor Boniface will have to act quickly because in top-level football, physical fitness often makes the difference between a comeback and the end of a career.