Former Werder Bremen forward Martin Harnik has criticised Nigerian striker Victor Boniface over concerns about his fitness levels following a lengthy injury layoff.

Boniface, currently on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, has endured a difficult season plagued by injuries and inconsistent form. The 25-year-old only recently returned to training after spending nearly three months on the sidelines.

However, rather than focusing solely on his comeback, attention has shifted to his physical condition, with reports suggesting the striker returned to training above his ideal weight. Images circulating online have intensified scrutiny, prompting strong remarks from Harnik.

“When I join team training, I have to be as fit as possible, and he has confused fit with overweight,” Harnik said.
“He’s carrying a considerable amount of weight. He’s coming back from this injury in a terrible state—that is unprofessional.”

The criticism adds to growing pressure on Boniface, who is now facing questions about his discipline and readiness to compete at the highest level.

Opinion: Criticism Is Loud—But the Comeback Matters More

Victor Boniface is currently at a crossroads, but this moment should be seen with balance, not just judgment.

Yes, professional football demands discipline. Returning from injury overweight—if true—is not ideal, and criticism from former players like Harnik is part of the game. At the highest level, small details like fitness can define careers.

But it’s also important to acknowledge reality: long-term injuries are physically and mentally draining. Recovery is rarely perfect, and setbacks—whether in form, confidence, or conditioning—are common.

The real issue isn’t where Boniface is now, but where he goes from here.

Public criticism can either break a player or build him. For Boniface, this could become a defining moment. If he responds with focus, improves his fitness, and regains sharpness, the narrative will quickly change. Football has a short memory when performances improve.

There’s also a wider lesson here about how quickly perception can shift. A player once praised for potential can suddenly be labelled unprofessional after one difficult phase.

In the end, Boniface doesn’t need to win the argument—he needs to win back form. Because in football, the loudest response is not words, but performance on the pitch.