Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has warned Victor Boniface after the Nigerian striker reportedly headed to the dressing room before the final whistle during Saturday’s dramatic 4-3 Bundesliga victory over Mainz.
Boniface was again left out as coach Carles Martínez made his final substitutions in the 84th minute, bringing on Equi Fernández and Jonas Hofmann for Aleix García and Patrik Schick.
With no opportunity to feature, the Super Eagles forward reportedly left the bench area, raising fresh questions about his situation at the German club.
The striker has struggled for playing time this season, making just one Bundesliga appearance — a five-minute outing in Leverkusen’s opening-day 3-2 defeat to SV Elversberg, during which he assisted Christian Kofane.
He has since been overlooked against Union Berlin, Leipzig and Mainz, while missing the match against Augsburg entirely.
Martínez said he did not notice the alleged incident during the game but indicated that he would address it with the Nigerian.
“If that’s what happened, we’ll speak to him,” the coach told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, stressing that selection decisions are part of football.
Rolfes also reacted to the incident, making it clear that the club would not want a repeat.
“Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time,” the sporting director said.
However, Rolfes praised Boniface’s improving fitness and professionalism, describing him as a valued member of the squad and training group.
With Christian Kofane reportedly injured, Boniface could have an opportunity to regain prominence in Leverkusen’s attack. The club’s Europa League fixture against Lech Poznań could offer another chance, depending on Martínez’s selection.
The Nigerian now faces the challenge of turning his frustration into performances as he seeks to revive his season.
Leave a comment