Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has defended his behaviour on and off the pitch, insisting he is being judged harshly amid claims questioning his attitude in training at Werder Bremen.
Boniface, who joined Bremen on loan after two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen, has yet to score in nine Bundesliga matches and has faced growing scrutiny over both his form and a series of cryptic social-media posts.
Speaking to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, the 24-year-old said his online messages have been misunderstood and should not be linked to his struggles this season.
“I only post these things to distract myself a bit from everything else. It’s nothing serious,” he said.
“I’m not insulting anyone, it’s not hurting anyone, and it’s meaningless.”
Boniface says the reaction has changed only because his performances have dipped.
“I did the same thing when I was in Leverkusen. The difference is: back then I scored goals and we won everything. Nobody talked about it.”
The Nigerian forward enjoyed a strong first season at Leverkusen, helping the club win the Bundesliga and DFB Cup. Injuries disrupted his second campaign, and a planned move to AC Milan collapsed before Bremen stepped in.
Boniface also rejected the idea that his second year at Leverkusen represented a significant decline.
“We were unfairly criticised, even though we finished second and reached the cup semi-finals,” he said.
“If I’m not mistaken, I scored the third-most goals for the team despite missing 16 or 17 games. So was it really such a bad season for me?”
He added that repeated injuries and public pressure have only strengthened his resolve.
“From my time in Norway until now, I’ve had a lot of pain, but I’ve made it this far. I’m really happy I’ve played for top clubs, so I’m no longer afraid. I have to live with it.”
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Meanwhile, Werder Bremen manager Horst Steffen has rejected suggestions that the club is unhappy with Boniface’s effort in training.
“Who comes up with the idea of making such a statement?” he told Weser Kurier.
“There are quite a few ways not to observe training. I don’t know where this is coming from.”
Steffen said he does not publicly evaluate training sessions unless a player has done something particularly noteworthy.
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Boniface is still searching for his first goal in Bremen colours, but with his manager backing him and calling for calm, the club hopes the forward can rediscover rhythm and confidence in the weeks ahead.
