Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has warned Victor Boniface that the striker’s early departure down the tunnel during Saturday’s 4-3 Bundesliga win over Mainz will not happen again.
The Super Eagles forward reacted angrily after being left out of the team for a third time during the match’s final substitutes window. Coach Carles Martinez brought on Equi Fernandez and Jonas Hofmann in the 84th minute, prompting Boniface to leave the bench and head directly to the dressing room.
The incident has highlighted the 25-year-old’s difficult position at Bayer Leverkusen this season, with his opportunities limited. Boniface has made only one league appearance: a five-minute substitute outing against SV Elversberg on the opening day, during which he provided an assist.
He has since spent much of the campaign either sidelined or among the substitutes.
Martinez said he had not seen Boniface leave during the match but indicated that the matter would be discussed internally.
“I didn’t notice it during the game. I don’t know anything about it. If that’s what happened, we’ll speak to him,” Martinez told Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger.
“I can understand that every player wants to help the team. At the same time, decisions like that are part of football.”
Rolfes initially responded with a joke, suggesting Boniface may have had a practical reason for leaving the technical area. However, he later made clear that the player’s action was not acceptable.
“Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time,” Rolfes said.
Despite the warning, the Leverkusen sporting director acknowledged that Boniface’s fitness is improving and that he has continued to conduct himself professionally in training.
That leaves the striker with the possibility of earning a greater role as the fixture schedule becomes increasingly demanding.