Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has delivered a firm warning to Nigeria striker Victor Boniface after the 25-year-old stormed down the tunnel before the final whistle during Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Mainz — a match Leverkusen edged 4-3.

Boniface's frustration came to a head when coach Carles Martínez passed over him for a third consecutive time in the substitutes window, introducing Equi Fernández and Jonas Hofmann in the 84th minute. Rather than returning to the bench, Boniface headed straight into the dressing room.

A testing season at the BayArena

The incident underlines what has been a deeply difficult campaign for Boniface in Leverkusen. His only Bundesliga appearance this season amounts to a five-minute cameo on opening day against SV Elversberg — during which he contributed an assist — before being repeatedly left out of the matchday squad or confined to the bench.

Martínez admitted he was unaware of the walkout while the match was still unfolding, but confirmed he would address it with the player directly.