Boniface deletes Instagram posts, shares prayer amid Leverkusen squad omission

Abdullateef Fowewe

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has sparked concern among fans after deleting all his Instagram posts and sharing a prayerful message on his story, even as Bayer Leverkusen confirmed his exclusion from the club’s Europa League squad over fitness concerns.

On Tuesday, Boniface wiped his Instagram feed clean and posted a personal note to God, writing, “Dear God: I have no idea what’s happening in my life right now, but I just want to say thank You for being with me in my highs, and my lows. My life hasn’t always been easy, but one thing I know: You have never left my side. You are my everything.”

The move quickly drew reactions from supporters with some speculating about his mental and physical state given his recent injury history and limited playing time.

However, as stories about the deleted posts spread, Boniface responded to the growing chatter in Nigerian Pidgin, writing, “Problem wey money go solve them 1 use motivation kill me,” appearing to dismiss what he sees as unnecessary drama around his actions.

The striker’s latest social-media activity comes shortly after Bayer Leverkusen left him out of their 2026/27 UEFA Europa League squad.

Head coach Carles Martínez said the decision was based on Boniface’s physical condition, noting he was not yet match-fit enough for the demands of European competition.

Martínez explained that while Boniface has improved in training, his knee problems and fitness lag at the time of squad registration meant he could not be included.

“He wasn’t ready, he was in pain, his knee wasn’t doing so well, and physically he was very far behind,” the coach said.

The omission adds to a turbulent period for the 25-year-old, who has battled recurring knee injuries, fitness setbacks, and a goalless loan spell at Werder Bremen last season.