Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has warned Nigerian striker Victor Boniface against leaving the substitutes’ bench prematurely after the forward reportedly walked down the tunnel during the club’s dramatic 4-3 Bundesliga victory over Mainz.
Boniface was left frustrated after head coach Carles Martínez exhausted his available substitutions without giving the Super Eagles striker an opportunity to play, raising fresh questions about his position in Leverkusen’s attacking plans.
The incident occurred on Saturday when Leverkusen secured a hard-fought victory over Mainz in a seven-goal encounter. Martínez made his final substitutions in the 84th minute, introducing Equi Fernández and Jonas Hofmann for Aleix García and Patrik Schick.
The changes meant Boniface would remain an unused substitute for another Bundesliga match. The Nigerian reportedly responded by heading towards the dressing room rather than staying with his teammates on the bench.
His reaction attracted attention because he has struggled to secure regular playing time since returning to Leverkusen.
Speaking after the match, Martínez said he had not noticed Boniface leaving the bench during the game but indicated that he would address the situation with the striker.
“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,” the coach said, according to German media reports.
Martínez acknowledged that players naturally want to contribute on the pitch but stressed that selection decisions remain part of football management.
He explained that his substitutions were made according to his assessment of the match, adding that players must understand that not everyone can feature in every game.
Rolfes also addressed the incident, using humour to respond to the striker’s reported departure while making it clear that the club did not expect a repeat.
“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 defended Boniface’s overall conduct and praised the progress the forward has made in improving his fitness.
The Leverkusen official said he had been pleased with the Nigerian’s development in recent months, noting that his physical condition had continued to improve.
Rolfes also described Boniface as a positive member of the squad and training group, suggesting that the incident would not erase the club’s broader assessment of his contribution.
He added that players should be allowed to express their emotions, provided their reactions remain appropriate within the team’s environment.
The comments indicate that Leverkusen would prefer to address the situation internally rather than turn it into a prolonged disciplinary controversy.
Boniface’s frustration comes amid a difficult period in his Leverkusen career, with opportunities to play becoming increasingly limited.
The striker has made just one Bundesliga appearance this season, featuring for five minutes in the opening-day 3-2 defeat to SV Elversberg. Despite the brief appearance, he provided an assist for Christian Kofane.
He subsequently remained on the bench against Union Berlin, Leipzig and Mainz, while missing out entirely against Augsburg.
His limited involvement represents a significant challenge for a forward who previously established himself as an important attacking option at Leverkusen.
Boniface’s recent struggles have also followed recurring knee problems that affected his progress over the past few seasons. His efforts to regain full fitness have therefore become an important part of his attempt to return to regular first-team action.
The situation could become more complicated following Kofane’s recent injury, which may create additional opportunities in Leverkusen’s attacking department.
However, the Nigerian will still need to convince Martínez that he deserves a place in the starting line-up or a role as an impact substitute.
Boniface will also be unavailable for Leverkusen’s Europa League trip to Lech Poznań because he was not registered for the competition, according to German media reports.
His immediate opportunities are therefore likely to depend on the club’s domestic fixtures and the coach’s assessment of his readiness.
For the Nigerian international, the challenge is to balance his desire for playing time with the discipline expected of a professional footballer.
While Rolfes’ comments suggest that Leverkusen remain satisfied with Boniface’s general attitude and progress, the incident serves as a reminder that frustration over selection must be handled carefully.
The coming weeks could prove important in determining whether Boniface can turn his improving fitness into more opportunities on the pitch and re-establish himself as a regular member of Leverkusen’s attacking plans..
