Boniface sparks concern with emotional Instagram message

Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has deleted all posts from his Instagram account and shared an emotional message on his Instagram Story, prompting an outpouring of concern and support from fans, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 25-year-old’s social media activity comes shortly after he was omitted from Leverkusen’s UEFA Europa League squad amid concerns over his fitness.

Boniface has not explained his decision to wipe his Instagram account, while there is also no indication from the Nigerian that his emotional message is directly related to his situation at the German club.

In the message, the striker reflected on difficult moments in his life and expressed his gratitude to God for remaining with him through both good and difficult times.

“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,” Boniface wrote.

The post immediately drew emotional reactions from supporters, with fans taking to his Instagram page to encourage the Nigerian international and remind him of the challenges he has overcome during his career.

A fan, @r6elitemanagement, described Boniface as “a fighter” and urged the striker not to give up, writing that his journey had inspired young footballers.

“Keep fighting, Victor. We love you, we believe in you, and we are your number-one fans,” the supporter wrote.

Another fan, @Chima.henry, pointed to Boniface’s struggles with serious knee injuries and multiple surgeries, stressing the mental strength required for a professional footballer to regain fitness and confidence after such setbacks.

“All he needs now is words of encouragement and prayers cos it’s not easy. I pray he comes out of this,” the fan wrote.

@AndersonJnr also sympathised with the striker over the setbacks and injuries he has endured, expressing hope that he would soon return to full fitness.

“It’s a cruel world bro… we understand all the setbacks and injuries and we pray he gets back on his feet,” the comment read.

Boniface’s latest social media activity comes against the backdrop of his ongoing fitness struggles, which contributed to his omission from Leverkusen’s Europa League squad.

Leverkusen manager Carles Martinez had previously explained that Boniface was not fully fit when the squad was selected, although he said the striker’s knee condition had improved significantly.

The Nigerian has endured a difficult period with injury problems and will now hope to put his latest setback behind him and return to full fitness.

However, Boniface has not provided any explanation for deleting his Instagram posts or indicated whether the emotional message was connected to his current football situation.

For now, the meaning behind the post remains unclear, but the response from supporters has shown that the Nigerian continues to enjoy strong backing as he works towards returning to action.