Victor Boniface has sparked debate online after telling a fan seeking ₦100,000 for school fees to “drop out.”

The Bayer Leverkusen striker remarked in response to a message on Snapchat. The exchange has since gone viral.

Fan asks for school fees help

A fan who described himself as a long-time supporter asked Boniface for financial assistance.

“My boss, please, I am a great fan of you, and I have been following you ever since, but I really need your help, boss. Please boss man, it is 100k,” the fan wrote.

Boniface replied through his Snapchat story.

“As you dey follow me long time, you go know say I no go school. Follow my road drop out.”

Different response to weekend request

In another message, a fan asked the footballer for money to fund a weekend outing.

Boniface reacted differently. He asked the fan to send his account details.

Screenshots of both conversations quickly spread across social media. Many users compared the two responses.

Reactions split online

Most reactions criticised the striker’s response to the school fees request. Critics said education should not be discouraged, especially by a public figure with a large following.

Others defended Boniface. They argued that he is not responsible for paying anyone’s school fees. They also said he has the right to spend his money as he chooses.

Wider debate on education

The incident has sparked a broader discussion about education in Nigeria.

Many social media users pointed to Boniface’s words, “Follow my road drop out,” while discussing attitudes towards schooling and success.

Boniface rose through Nigerian football before moving to Europe. He joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 and helped the club win the Bundesliga title during its unbeaten 2023/24 campaign.