Werder Bremen's sporting director Clemens Fritz has firmly quashed speculation about terminating Nigerian striker Victor Boniface's season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen, emphasizing no immediate plans despite the 24-year-old's goalless run in 11 Bundesliga appearances. Boniface, who joined after a failed AC Milan move, has managed just two assists while drawing criticism from manager Horst Steffen for underwhelming form, compounded by a knee contusion sidelining him for the club's final 2025 match against FC Augsburg. Fritz noted ongoing talks with Leverkusen medics, stating, "As of now, neither Victor has approached us, nor are there such considerations on Leverkusen's or our side. First, it's important he gets fit," prioritizing recovery before any future discussions.
The Super Eagles forward's Bremen stint follows a turbulent year, including AFCON 2025 snub, international retirement tease after a Russia friendly blank, and limited Leverkusen minutes under Erik ten Hag, with pre-season fitness woes derailing transfers. Despite ex-strikers like Claudio Pizarro backing his goal hunt, Boniface's yellow card and adaptation struggles fuel debates on his path, though Fritz stressed, "We're not considering ending a loan prematurely." His individual indoor sessions signal a return push, with the knee's severity dictating if "sporting future" talks arise post-healing.
This reassurance stabilizes Boniface's campaign amid Nigeria's scrutiny, as fans eye redemption in 2026 World Cup qualifiers where he faltered goal-less against Lesotho and others. Analysts see potential in his Union SG pedigree, but Bremen demands impact to silence termination whispers lingering from media like Score Nigeria. As 2025 closes, Boniface's fitness race underscores high-stakes loans in Europe's grind.