AFCON 2025
Werder Bremen head coach Daniel Thioune has sparked controversy with a blunt assessment of Victor Boniface’s physical condition, openly stating that the striker is currently not fit enough to compete.
Speaking of Boniface’s situation, Thioune did not hold back.
“It’s obvious that he is obese. He knows it, and so do we. I wish he were in better shape. He needs to prove his worth if he wants to make the squad,” the coach said.
The strong remarks place Boniface under intense scrutiny, with his place in the squad now clearly in doubt. Thioune’s comments show that selection will be based strictly on merit, with fitness seen as a non-negotiable requirement.
Boniface recently made his way back to training following knee surgery that kept him out for a lengthy period. However, rather than easing pressure on the forward, his return has brought fresh criticism from his manager.
The timing of the comments has drawn attention, coming just as the Nigerian forward is working his way back from a serious injury.
Boniface was one of the standout performers during Bayer Leverkusen’s title-winning season under Xabi Alonso, but his progress was disrupted by the injury that led to surgery. Since then, he has struggled to return to peak condition.
Before the setback, the striker had been linked with a move to AC Milan, with reports suggesting he was close to completing a transfer pending a medical.
Now back in training, the focus has shifted from potential transfers to rebuilding fitness and form. Boniface is set to return to Bayer Leverkusen if Werder Bremen does not make the loan permanent
