With Victor Boniface in focus, Werder Bremen are quietly uneasy as Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this December, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to Sport Bild, the Bundesliga side fear the timing of the continental showpiece could disrupt the delicate return-to-fitness plan they have set in motion for on-loan forward Victor Boniface.
The Nigerian striker, still working his way back from a series of injuries and fitness struggles, is seen by Bremen as a key part of their attacking rebuild.
But with Nigeria drawn in a competitive AFCON group alongside Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda, and expected to go deep in the tournament after reaching the final last time out, the club could be without their star man for up to a month should the Super Eagles progress to the semi-finals or beyond.
Boniface, 24, remains one of Nigeria’s most valuable attacking assets despite missing several recent international windows.
Should he return to full form before the tournament, national team head coach Eric Chelle is almost certain to recall him, leaving Bremen’s plans delicately balanced between national pride and club priorities.
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Victor Boniface: Battling fitness, form, and fatigue
After missing out on a transfer to AC Milan in the summer, Boniface has taken a bit of time to get up to speed at Bremen.
On loan from Bayer Leverkusen until 2026, the powerful forward is still fighting his way back from what Sport Bild described as a ‘weight and conditioning crisis.'
His first start for Bremen, a hard-fought 1–0 win against Union Berlin, marked a small but vital step forward. He lasted the full 90 minutes, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike for his work ethic and willingness to contribute defensively.
“Victor is embracing the challenge with us,” sporting director Clemens Fritz said. “He’s fully committed and giving it his all. It’s in his best interest to show his best version again.”
Yet statistics tell the story of a player still rediscovering rhythm. In his brief time at Bremen, Boniface has managed just 190 minutes of football and a single assist. His average of 13 sprints per 90 minutes and top speed of 31.4 km/h fall well below his Leverkusen peak, when he averaged 20 sprints and reached 33 km/h.
That drop, coupled with slight weight gain and limited match sharpness, has slowed his impact. Bremen’s coaching staff have introduced tailored training sessions to rebuild his explosiveness. They also recognise that only regular game time, not just gym work, will fully restore his edge.
Club vs country: A familiar tug of war
The upcoming AFCON has reignited a familiar tension between European clubs and African national teams.
Bremen’s staff worry that Boniface’s progress could be undone by the intense match schedule and limited recovery time typical of major tournaments.
While the club’s medical department provides close monitoring and specialised conditioning, the environment in national team camps can differ, raising questions about whether Boniface’s fragile fitness could withstand the strain.
Still, Bremen acknowledge that international football could also offer emotional benefits: restoring confidence, sharpness, and competitive spirit. Much, though, will depend on how quickly Boniface can rediscover his best form in the coming weeks.
