Werder Bremen manager Horst Steffen has challenged Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface to step up his performance following the club’s 1–1 draw away at Mainz 05 over the weekend.

Boniface is yet to find the back of the net for Die Grün-Weißen after joining the club from Bayer Leverkusen on transfer deadline day in the summer.

The 24-year-old has struggled with his fitness — a major reason why his initial move to AC Milan fell through earlier in the summer.

Despite acknowledging Boniface’s physicality and ability to assert himself in challenges, Steffen believes the Nigerian international still has a lot to do to reach his full potential.

“There were one or two situations in which I thought, oh come on, he can solve that even better,” the manager said, as quoted by Deutsch Stube.

“The fact that he asserts himself in front of the duels is one reason why he is already important for us anyway.

“Boniface seems to have taken steps forward. However, he has not yet arrived at his destination, and I believe that it is still a long way.

“He should claim balls and fight many battles, because that is one of his strengths. Nevertheless, he may then also put in actions in the direction of the penalty area.”

Boniface’s market value has taken a tumble in recent months following his poor form for both club and country.

WDN