Victor Boniface Faces Backlash Over Social Media Post Featuring Davido and Cubana Chief Priest

 

Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface is under scrutiny after sharing images of himself enjoying time with prominent Nigerian entertainers Davido, Zlatan Ibile, and Cubana Chief Priest. The pictures, which captured Boniface in an all-white outfit at Davido’s sold-out concert at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome, have sparked debate about the athlete’s priorities and fitness.

Boniface’s social media post highlighted his presence at the event alongside Nigerian celebrities, including businessman Cubana Chief Priest and talent manager Ubi Franklin. While the photos received applause from some fans for their vibrancy and cultural significance, others questioned the footballer’s commitment to his sport.

Adding to the controversy, Boniface recently sustained a thigh injury during Nigeria's 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in the final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Critics argue that he should be focusing on his recovery rather than public appearances.

The images quickly went viral, eliciting a variety of reactions from fans and followers:

• @kingydavies criticized: “Oga, go play ball and leave influencers to do their work. Ronaldo is still grinding despite his fame and wealth.”
• @LawrenceOkoroPG commented: “Focus on your recovery and career. Remember Pogba, Lingard, and others who lost their way.”
• Others, however, were less critical, with @ChuksJAnyanwu1 urging Boniface to prioritize his football performance: “Forget pictures. We, your fans, need you to score lots of goals this season.”

Interestingly, there were light-hearted responses as well. @hisduthyy made an unrelated but heartfelt comment about the tattoo on Boniface’s arm, referring to it as a tribute to his grandmother: “That tattoo shows your love for her. God bless all grandmothers.”

While it is not unusual for athletes to enjoy leisure activities or network with celebrities, fans expect discipline and focus from professional players, especially during recovery periods. The scrutiny highlights the increasing demand for athletes to manage public perception and prioritize their careers amid distractions.

As the football season continues, all eyes will be on Boniface to see if he can silence critics with strong performances on the field. For now, the backlash serves as a reminder of the expectations placed on athletes to balance their personal and professional lives responsibly.

Let’s hope Victor Boniface can channel this experience into motivation for his return to top form, both for club and country.