Werder Bremen legend Ailton Gonçalves da Silva has thrown his weight behind Victor Boniface, expressing confidence that the Nigerian forward will soon rediscover his scoring touch at the Weserstadion.

Boniface, who joined Bremen on loan from Bayer Leverkusen after a failed move to AC Milan, has endured a difficult start to life in the Bundesliga, registering just two assists in ten league appearances. 

His output has attracted scrutiny, particularly given the high expectations that accompanied his arrival.

 Ailton acknowledged the striker’s struggles but insisted he sees the potential for a turnaround.

"I trust him. He won't have a career at Werder like mine, but I absolutely believe he can play a good role here. He'll score a few more goals. Maybe even one in the derby," Ailton told Bild (subscription required).

"There's a lot of talk about his lack of form and his weight. If he scores, the fans and his teammates will believe in him again. A positive result is key," 

Ailton, who became a club icon after initially enduring six challenging months in Bremen, compared Boniface’s current situation to his own difficult start.

"My first six months were very difficult for me until Thomas Schaaf took over in May 1999.

"During those six months, I didn't understand the system and I was also carrying a few extra kilos."

He stressed that while Boniface must put in the work, the squad also has a role to play in helping him regain confidence.

"He has to train hard now and his teammates have to help him. But in the end, only he himself can score the goal," he added. 

Despite his dip in form, the 24-year-old has been named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. 

Ahead of Bremen’s clash against Hamburger SV, Boniface will be aiming to end his goal drought and start charting a path back to his best.

Adeyemi Adewale