Bayer Leverkusen sporting director, Simon Rolfes, has warned Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface after he reportedly headed down the tunnel following his omission from Saturday’s 4-3 Bundesliga victory over Mainz.
The Super Eagles forward was again left out as Leverkusen 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 in the match, Boniface reportedly headed to the dressing room instead of remaining on the bench with his teammates, prompting questions about his reaction to his limited playing time.
The incident comes amid a difficult spell for the striker, who has struggled to secure regular appearances for the German club this season.
Boniface has made just one Bundesliga appearance this campaign, playing five minutes in Leverkusen’s opening-day 3-2 defeat to SV Elversberg.
Despite his limited involvement, he provided an assist for Christian Kofane.
He has since been overlooked in matches against Union Berlin, Leipzig and Mainz, while he was left out entirely against Augsburg.
Martínez said he had not noticed the walkout during Saturday’s game but promised to discuss the incident with the Nigerian.
“If that’s what happened, we’ll speak to him,” the coach told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, insisting that selection decisions were part of football.
Rolfes also addressed the incident, responding with humour while making it clear that the club expected a different reaction in future.
“Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time,” the sporting director said.
Despite the warning, Rolfes praised Boniface’s improving fitness and professionalism, describing him as a good member of the squad and training group.
With Kofane recently injured, Boniface could have an opportunity to revive his Leverkusen campaign and fight for more playing time.
The club’s Europa League trip to Lech Poznań on Thursday could offer the Nigerian a chance to prove his worth, depending on Martínez’s selection.
