Nigerian footballer Victor Boniface has been banned for at least one DFB Pokal match and fined €25,000 by the German Football Association (DFB) for anti-sporting conduct.
The 23-year-old Super Eagles forward was found guilty of showing Stuttgart players his middle finger during Bayer Leverkusen’s Super Cup win.
The incident occurred during the post-match celebrations, and although referee Tobias Stieler did not witness the gesture, the DFB’s control committee investigated the incident and handed down the punishment.
Boniface has been a rising star in German football, helping Bayer Leverkusen win the Bundesliga for the first time in the club’s history.
However, this incident has marred his reputation, and he will have to serve the ban and fine before returning to the pitch.
The red-hot striker won the rookie of the year award in the Bundesliga last season.
Boniface’s career trajectory
Hia football journey began in Nigeria, where he honed his skills in local clubs and academies.
His big break came in 2018 when he signed with Plateau United, a prominent Nigerian club.
This marked the beginning of his professional career, and he quickly made a name for himself as a prolific goal-scorer.
In 2020, Boniface took his talents to Libya, joining Al-Ittihad Tripoli.
His time in Libya was marked by success, as he helped the club win the Libyan Premier League title in 2021.
Boniface’s impressive performances in Libya caught the attention of European scouts, and in 2022, he made the move to Belgian club Union SG.
This transfer marked a significant milestone in his career, as he became one of the few Nigerian players to feature in the Belgian top flight.
In addition to his club success, Boniface has also made a name for himself on the international stage.
He made his debut for the Nigeria national team in 2021 and has since earned several caps, scoring crucial goals in international competitions.
His achievements, including winning the Libyan Premier League title and helping Union SG qualify for the UEFA Champions League, are a testament to his dedication and skill.