Victor Boniface, Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen forward, has been handed a one-match suspension and a significant fine for unsportsmanlike behavior following a recent Super Cup match against VfB Stuttgart.

The German Football Association (DFB) announced the disciplinary action on Wednesday after investigating an incident that occurred at the conclusion of the match. The DFB sports court ruled that Boniface would be suspended for one DFB Cup match and fined €25,000 (approx. ₦43.8 million).

The 23-year-old was charged with “blatantly unsporting conduct” after allegedly making an offensive gesture, raising his middle finger towards Stuttgart players during post-match celebrations. Although referee Tobias Stieler did not witness the incident, reports from Stuttgart players prompted further investigation by the DFB.

Despite the absence of concrete video evidence, the accusation led to Boniface’s punishment. Both the player and Bayer Leverkusen have accepted the decision, making the sanction final.

This controversy comes at a time when Boniface’s reputation has been steadily growing in Germany. Last season, he was named Rookie of the Year after a standout debut campaign, contributing significantly to Leverkusen’s successful Bundesliga season. However, his actions during the Super Cup have cast a shadow over what had been a celebratory period for both the player and his club.