Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface is expected to see increased Bundesliga action for Bayer Leverkusen in the coming weeks, despite sparking controversy by storming down the tunnel during his side's thrilling 4–3 victory over Mainz.

The 25-year-old Nigerian striker headed straight to the dressing room in the 84th minute after head coach Carles Martinez opted to bring on Jonas Hofmann for Patrik Schick as his final substitution.

Boniface was the sole recognized striker remaining on the bench, with Cameroon international Christian Kofane sidelined for several weeks due to a torn thigh muscle fibre.

Boniface has endured a quiet campaign so far, making just a single five-minute appearance on opening weekend where he recorded an assist in a 3–2 defeat to Elversberg.

Addressing the incident post-match, manager Carles Martinez admitted he missed the walkout as it happened but maintained a pragmatic stance:

"If that is what happened, we will speak to him," Martinez stated. "I can understand that every player wants to help the team. At the same time, decisions like that are part of football."

Bayer Leverkusen’s Sporting Director, Simon Rolfes, similarly played down the frustration, praising the forward’s recent fitness levels and professional conduct.

"Perhaps he went to the dressing room a little too early today," Rolfes acknowledged, adding that the club values emotionally invested players as long as they act in the team's best interest.

Unregistered for the European group stage, Boniface will miss Thursday’s Europa League tie against Lech Poznań. With Schick needing workload management and alternative attacking options limited, domestic league fixtures offer the Nigerian striker his clearest opportunity to secure regular minutes.

Boniface's limited involvement this season follows earlier transfer speculation surrounding a potential departure before the Saudi Pro League window closed, including a collapsed €70m move to Al-Nassr in January 2025.

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