Super Eagles striker Boniface battles weight and fitness issues after loan move to Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen's Managing Director of Professional Football, Clemens Fritz, has confirmed that the club is actively addressing the fitness concerns of Nigeria international Victor Boniface, including efforts to manage his weight.

Following a collapsed move to Serie A giants AC Milan during the summer transfer window, Boniface sealed a deadline-day loan switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Werder Bremen for the remainder of the campaign.

However, fitness issues have slowed the striker's integration at the Green-Whites. 

The 24-year-old is yet to make his first Bundesliga start, featuring in four games so far and registering a single assist on his debut without finding the back of the net.

Boniface is reportedly carrying extra weight, a condition attributed to a combination of genetics and a high-calorie diet.

The situation has reportedly added strain to his knee, which has previously endured two cruciate ligament injuries.

"Together with Victor, we have clearly identified the issues and are supporting him from all angles,” Fritz told BILD. 

"This includes athletic training, physiotherapy, and also nutrition with appropriate advice. We are working closely with him. He accepts our support and wants to work on himself."

Fritz also praised the Nigerian striker's commitment to improvement, revealing that Boniface has been putting in additional effort outside regular training sessions.

"Victor is also working extra shifts, foregoing a day off on the weekend to train," he added.

Boniface was left out of the Super Eagles' squad for their October World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, and also missed the games in September. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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