Boniface defends himself amid goal drought, says critics ignore his overall contribution

Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has spoken out amid criticism over his recent poor run of form in the Bundesliga, insisting that his contributions to Werder Bremen go beyond just scoring goals.

The 24-year-old, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, has failed to find the net in 13 consecutive matches since joining Bremen, a sharp contrast to the prolific displays that made him one of the league’s standout players last season. His goal drought has drawn frustration from fans who had expected him to replicate the explosive form that powered Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season.

In a recent interview with Soccer Laduma, as reported by Soccernet.ng, Boniface defended his overall influence on the pitch, saying his work rate and tactical contribution often go unnoticed. “If you watched the game against Union Berlin, which we won 1–0, I didn’t score or assist,” he explained. “But you would have seen what I bring to the team — my movement, hold-up play, and how I help us create space. That’s what people don’t see.”

Boniface’s rise in German football was remarkable. In his debut Bundesliga campaign, he scored 14 goals and provided eight assists, playing a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s historic title win. Despite injury setbacks the following season, he still managed eight goals and an assist in 19 appearances, finishing as the club’s second-highest scorer.

However, his transition to Bremen has been challenging. A dip in rhythm and confidence has affected his performances, with recent games — including a quiet display against Mainz — raising concerns over his place in the starting lineup.

Unfazed by criticism, Boniface remains focused on his game and mental strength. “When you don’t score, people talk. But they don’t really know me,” he said. “I’ve been through things that made me strong. Anyone who knows me knows I don’t let these things affect me.”

The Nigerian striker maintained that he is more concerned about steady progress than public opinion, noting that last season, despite missing several games, he still ranked among Leverkusen’s top scorers.

Boniface also brushed off social media backlash, calling most of it uninformed. “Most people don’t even watch the games,” he said. “They just check LiveScore, see no goal beside my name, and rush online to insult me for engagement. But I’m not moved by that.”

Despite his current struggles, Boniface’s record in Germany remains impressive, with 22 goals and 12 assists in 49 Bundesliga appearances — making him one of Nigeria’s top scorers in the league’s history. His resilience and determination suggest that it is only a matter of time before he rediscovers his form and silences his critics once again.