Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has explained that his unusual goal celebration during Saturday’s 4-1 Bundesliga win at Hoffenheim was inspired by a popular TikTok trend in Nigeria.
The Nigeria international played a key role in Leverkusen’s away victory at PreZero Arena on matchday 3 of the 2024/25 season, marking their second win of the campaign. Boniface assisted Martin Terrier for the opening goal in the 17th minute and scored twice in the 30th and 75th minutes.
His first goal celebration involved pulling down his shorts, which drew mixed reactions from fans and viewers. The video quickly went viral, prompting numerous comments.
In response, Boniface clarified that the celebration was meant to align with a TikTok trend from Nigeria and was not intended to offend 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 I would celebrate in that way once I scored.”
Leverkusen’s next fixture is a UEFA Champions League match against Feyenoord on Thursday.
