Nigerian international Victor Boniface has spoken out against what he describes as unfair treatment following criticism from Werder Bremen coach Horst Steffen. The 24-year-old striker, who joined Bremen on a season-long loan from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen, has faced mounting pressure after failing to score in his first nine league appearances for the club.
Social Media Posts Spark Controversy
Boniface revealed that his cryptic social media posts have become a point of contention, with critics linking his online activity to his performance on the pitch. In an interview with Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger, the Super Eagles forward defended his digital presence, stating: "I only post these things to distract myself a bit from everything else. It's nothing serious."
The Nigerian striker emphasized that his social media behavior hasn't changed from his successful period at Bayer Leverkusen. "I did the same thing when I was in Leverkusen. I've used this exact caption before. The difference is back then, I scored goals, and we won everything. Nobody talked about it," Boniface explained, highlighting what he perceives as double standards.
Coach's Criticism and Positioning Issues
Werder Bremen coach Horst Steffen didn't hold back in his assessment of Boniface's performance, particularly after their matchday four Bundesliga clash with Freiburg. The tactician questioned the striker's positioning, stating: "He was too everywhere for me. He should definitely stay more central. It wasn't how I wanted it."
Steffen later commented again following the game against Mainz 05, adding: "He tried to hold onto the ball up front. Today I thought to myself: Come on, he can do even better." These public criticisms have added to the pressure on the Nigerian international, who joined Bremen after a potential move to Italian club AC Milan collapsed at the last minute.
Boniface Fights Back Against Critics
Despite his goal drought, Boniface remains defiant in the face of criticism. The striker hit out at his detractors, particularly on social media platforms, telling Soccer Laduma: "The media says a lot of things. When you don't score, then people want to talk, but trust me, you don't know anything about me."
Boniface emphasized his mental strength, adding: "I've seen things, but I am strong, and anybody who knows me knows that I am a strong guy; those things don't really affect me." This resilience will be crucial as he attempts to rediscover the form that made him a key player in Leverkusen's Bundesliga title-winning campaign last season.
The situation has been complicated by off-field incidents, including a recent minor altercation with police that was captured on video by fans after Werder Bremen's 2-1 comeback win over Wolfsburg. As Boniface continues to adapt to his new club, the pressure mounts for the Nigerian to start delivering the goals that justified his loan move and silence his growing number of critics in the Bundesliga.
