Werder Bremen Coach Horst Steffen Challenges Victor Boniface to Step Up After Underwhelming Display Against Mainz

Werder Bremen head coach Horst Steffen has expressed disappointment in Nigerian striker Victor Boniface’s performance during the club’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw against Mainz on Saturday.

Despite his reputation as one of Bremen’s most promising attacking forces, Boniface struggled to make an impact at the Mewa Arena, failing to record a single shot on target or create any meaningful scoring opportunity.

Speaking after the game, Steffen acknowledged the 23-year-old’s effort but made it clear that more was expected from him.

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

Boniface, who joined Bremen amid high expectations following his impressive performances in the Bundesliga last season, will now look to bounce back when Werder Bremen face Wolfsburg in their next league fixture on Friday.

💭 Opinion: A Wake-Up Call for Boniface — and a Test of Mental Toughness

Victor Boniface’s dip in form is a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough in top-flight football — consistency and adaptability matter just as much.

Since his breakout season, Boniface has carried the weight of expectations from fans and critics alike. However, the Mainz game highlighted a worrying trend — a lack of sharpness in front of goal and difficulty linking effectively with his teammates. While every striker has off-days, what separates the good from the great is how they respond.

Steffen’s public criticism may sting, but it’s arguably the tough love Boniface needs right now. The coach’s words weren’t meant to humiliate but to challenge — to reignite that spark and hunger that once made Boniface a nightmare for defenders.

At 23, he’s still developing — both mentally and tactically. He needs to find that rhythm again: pressing harder, improving positioning, and making quicker decisions in the box.

If he channels this criticism constructively, the Wolfsburg game could be his perfect redemption arc. But if he lets frustration cloud his focus, the slump could deepen.

For Boniface, this isn’t just about scoring goals anymore — it’s about proving he can handle pressure, expectation, and responsibility at the elite level.