Boniface, Buendía clash over shot attempt in Leverkusen match, fans divided

A heated moment unfolded on the pitch when Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface, and Argentine midfielder, Emi Buendía, got into an argument after both attempted to take the same shot during Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s last match against Frankfurt on Saturday.

Buendía initially attempted a shot inside the box but narrowly missed.

As he went for a second attempt, the ball moved into Boniface’s path, leading both players to react simultaneously and attempt the shot.

Boniface ultimately took the strike, but it was blocked by an opposition defender.

After another blocked effort towards goal, the ball went out for a corner kick.

Immediately after, Boniface and Buendía got into a heated altercation, prompting teammates to step in and restrain them.

The incident sparked a wave of reactions from football fans on social media, with opinions divided on who was at fault.

Some fans criticised Boniface for not prioritising teamwork.

X user, Serah Ibrahim (@TheSerahIbrahim) stated, “Boniface was at fault here. Never fight with your teammates during the game. Play as a team.”

Similarly, TalkwithNnene (@NoWhere2Hid) remarked, “Boniface is not being a good team player. Never fight your teammates! Wait till the match is over and have a conversation about it. That display was so unnecessary.”

Others, however, defended the Nigerian forward, arguing that he had a better chance of scoring.

Ucheyy (@NachouBae) wrote, “Boniface was more likely to score the goal,” while PharmHeydayy (@Templegaurd) added, “The other teammate completely misfired and Victor was in a better position to try. I don’t get his teammate’s frustration though.”

Some fans took a neutral stance, suggesting that both players were at fault for the miscommunication.

Paul (@segunizzy) commented, “Both of them are right and both of them are wrong,” while Emeka Chris (@Emmychris290) pointed out that the situation was caused by poor communication, saying, “They were both hungry for goal and didn’t communicate well.”

The argument has also reignited discussions about Nigerian players facing criticism in European football.

HORLARB (@horlarbsblog) expressed frustration, writing, “Why are they all against Nigerian players? Same thing happened to Osimhen, same thing happened to Lookman. They hate us so bad.”

On the other hand, some fans viewed the incident as a natural part of the game.

PELEZ (@PELEZOFFICIAL) wrote, “Sometimes footballers get too emotional. It’s football for you.”

Meanwhile, Collins (@FCBCollins) argued that the clash should not be seen negatively, stating, “Both Boniface and Buendía displayed a relentless drive to score and a shared commitment to team success.”

Despite the differing opinions, many agreed that better coordination and communication could have prevented the altercation.

Sundaytruck (@Sundayjctrucks) said, “Poor communication on the pitch leads to moments like this. They need to coordinate better. Individual brilliance is great, but football is a team sport. They need to work together.”