Former Werder Bremen champion and ex-Bundesliga top scorer Aílton Gonçalves da Silva has issued a pointed assessment of Nigerian international Victor Boniface, expressing serious doubts about the striker’s ability to contribute meaningfully before the current Bundesliga campaign concludes.
Speaking to BILD, the Brazilian forward did not hold back in his evaluation of the 24-year-old’s physical condition. “His belly is unbelievable. He absolutely needs to shed some weight. In this shape, he cannot help Werder. I don’t see him scoring any more goals for the club this season,” Aílton said.
The former striker, who himself faced commentary about his own physique during his playing career yet still delivered consistently high-level performances, went on to question Boniface’s mental state at this stage of the season. “He is facing a big challenge and must now focus on himself. The season is almost over, so I wonder how strong his motivation is right now,” Aílton added.
Boniface has endured a deeply difficult 2025/26 campaign. Serious knee and cartilage problems requiring surgery have severely limited his availability, and the Super Eagles striker has yet to register a single goal this season. The impact on his market value has been dramatic — according to reports, his valuation has fallen by more than €25–35 million, leaving him currently valued at around €5 million.
The scale of that decline is significant for a player who had been considered one of the more exciting attacking talents in the Bundesliga following an impressive debut season in German football. His absence from competitive action has clearly taken a toll on both his form and his standing within the squad.
Werder Bremen head coach Daniel Thioune has adopted a more measured tone regarding the striker’s situation. The manager acknowledged the psychological toll that extended injury absences can have on young players, noting that being told you cannot play for months — or potentially up to a year — can significantly affect a footballer’s mindset. Thioune has stated he intends to give Boniface opportunities once the forward is deemed fully fit, maintaining that the striker remains capable of posing a genuine threat to opposition defences in important matches.
Despite the manager’s public support, Boniface was absent from Werder Bremen’s squad for their recent defeat against FC Köln, a further indication of the work that still lies ahead if he is to feature before the season ends. With the Bundesliga campaign entering its final stretch, the window for Boniface to make any meaningful contribution is narrowing rapidly.
Aílton’s comments are not the first critical remarks aimed at Boniface this season. The striker has previously been the subject of scrutiny over his commitment levels, with separate reports questioning his attitude during his injury rehabilitation period. The combination of fitness concerns, a complete absence of goals, and public criticism from a former club figure paints a challenging picture for the Nigeria international as he attempts to rebuild his form and reputation ahead of what could be a pivotal close season.
