Boniface explains bizarre goal celebration in Leverkusen win

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface says his bizarre goal celebration during Saturday’s German Bundesliga 4-1 win at Hoffenheim was inspired by a TikTok trend in Nigeria, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigeria international inspired the Bundesliga champions laudable away victory at PreZero Arena on matchday 3 of the 2024/25 season, their second win of the campaign.

The striker assisted Martin Terrier for the opening goal in the 17th minute before finding the back of the net himself in the 30th and 75th minutes to give his team a comfortable win on the road.

The 25-year-old celebrated his first goal by pulling down his shorts, much to the consternation of fans and viewers.

The video of his celebration immediately went viral, drawing reactions from football enthusiasts.

In response to the comments from fans, the Super Eagles striker explained the reason behind the bizzaire celebration, attributing it to a popular social media trend in his home country of Nigeria, adding that the gesture was not meant to offend or provoke anyone.

“I didn’t want to provoke anyone,” he said.

“I did it in front of our fans. It’s a TikTok trend by a big influencer in Nigeria. I promised him that I would cheer so much; I just hadn’t scored yet.”

Next for the German champions is a UEFA Champions League clash with Feyenoord on Thursday.