Bayer Leverkusen head coach Carles Martínez has spoken about the incident that happened on Saturday during their league game against Mainz involving Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface.
Martínez made his final changes in the 84th minute, bringing on Equi Fernández and Jonas Hofmann for Aleix García and Patrik Schick. Boniface, who had remained unused, was frustrated by the decision, leading to his reported walkout.
Boniface, who was an unused substitute during their 4–3 Bundesliga triumph over Mainz, reportedly walked through the tunnel to the dressing room after realising the coach had exhausted all his substitutions for the game.
Despite being one of the earliest players to return to the team ahead of the 2026/27 season, Boniface has struggled for playing time. He has only featured in the club’s opening game against SV Elversberg, where he played just five minutes and provided an assist despite Leverkusen’s 3–2 defeat.
After five league matches, the Nigerian has played just five minutes and was not included in the matchday squad against Augsburg.
Speaking about the incident, Martínez said he had not noticed the walkout but promised to address the situation.
“If that’s what happened, we’ll speak to him,” the coach told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, while emphasising that team selection is part of football.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes also responded to the situation, delivering a warning while maintaining a light-hearted tone.
“Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time,” Rolfes said.
The sporting director, however, praised Boniface’s progress in regaining fitness and his conduct within the squad, describing him positively as a member of the team and training group.
Boniface made a cryptic statement on his X account, saying people shouldn’t believe everything they hear:
“Don’t believe everything you hear: Real eyes, Realize, Real lies.”
With Kofane recently sidelined by injury, Boniface could have an opportunity to earn more minutes and rebuild his momentum at the German club.
Leverkusen’s Europa League trip to Lech Poznań on Thursday could offer the Nigerian another chance to return to action, depending on Martínez’s selection..
