By Milcah Tanimu
The German Football Association (DFB) has launched an investigation into Victor Boniface, the Super Eagles forward, following allegations of inappropriate behavior during Bayer Leverkusen’s Super Cup victory over VfB Stuttgart.
According to German outlet Weltfussball, Boniface is under scrutiny for allegedly making an offensive gesture by extending his left middle finger towards VfB Stuttgart players as he ran past them after the final whistle.
During the match, the 23-year-old Nigerian striker scored the opening goal in the 11th minute. He was substituted in the first half for tactical reasons after his teammate Martin Terrier received a red card. Bayer Leverkusen went on to win the Super Cup via penalties.
Although the match referee, Tobias Stieler, did not observe the gesture, the DFB’s control committee has decided to investigate the claims. There is no conclusive TV footage or evidence confirming the incident, but VfB Stuttgart players maintain that Boniface’s gesture was offensive.
Additionally, Boniface received a yellow card in the 80th minute for dissent while on the bench, following a VAR decision that went against his team.
As of now, it is unclear what sanctions Boniface might face if found guilty of the alleged behavior. Boniface has been instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s recent successes, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 appearances last season. His impressive debut campaign also earned him the Rookie of the Year title and contributed to Bayer Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga title.
