Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface is facing scrutiny after the German Football Association (DFB) opened an investigation into his behavior after Bayer Leverkusen’s victory over VfB Stuttgart in the Super Cup.
According to Weltfussball, the DFB launched the investigation on Monday, probing into an alleged unsportsmanlike gesture that Boniface made during the post-match celebrations.
Victor Boniface’s alleged foul gesture
The Nigerian forward reportedly raised his middle finger to the opposition players as he ran past them following Leverkusen’s dramatic 4-3 victory on penalties.
The Super Cup encounter between Leverkusen and Stuttgart saw Victor Boniface score an early goal before being substituted for tactical reasons after his team had gone down to ten men following Martin Terrier’s red card in the first half.
Victor Boniface faces suspension amid on-going investigation
Stuttgart players have reportedly lodged a complaint, accusing the Nigerian of the offensive gesture. However, there is no concrete evidence or TV footage to confirm the incident.
The game’s referee, Tobias Stieler, also claimed not to have seen the purported gesture, allowing the DFB’s control committee to conduct a retrospective check into the incident.
If found guilty, Boniface would face disciplinary action from the DFB, which could include a suspension, fines, or other penalties.
Boniface is well-known for his amusing antics both on-field and on social media.
The former Union Saint-Gilloise star is known for his iconic celebration, which was dubbed by a Madrid star during the Los Blancos celebratory ceremony after their Champions League triumph over Borussia Dortmund.
Boniface jokingly demanded payment from the player, while the Madrid player also responded in a jovial manner, ensuring the Nigerian he would definitely pay, but in Naira (Nigeria’s currency).
Another example was seen in a recent report from Sports Buddy where Boniface posted a picture of himself on social media doing menial jobs while claiming to be hustling for his ‘daily 2k’, after his club failed to pay him his wages.
In contrast to his usual playful demeanor, Victor Boniface’s alleged gesture during the Super Cup encounter appears less-friendly, and the 23-year-old now awaits judgement after the investigation is concluded.
