Boniface, Tella await new coach as Ten Hag becomes third ex-Man Utd manager sacked in a week

Nigerian internationals Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella await a new coach at Bayer Leverkusen after the German Bundesliga club parted ways with Erik ten Hag on Monday morning. 

The Dutch manager, who took charge in May 2025 to replace Xabi Alonso, was dismissed following a turbulent start to the 2025-26 Bundesliga season.

The club’s official website confirmed that the decision was made by the shareholders’ committee on the recommendation of management. 

In the meantime, training will be overseen by the current backroom staff on an interim basis as Leverkusen explores options for a permanent replacement.

Ten Hag’s brief tenure saw Leverkusen suffer a 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim on the opening day and settle for a 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen, squandering a lead against ten men. 

A 5-1 pre-season loss to Flamengo’s Under-20 team compounded the club’s disappointment. 

Ten Hag became the third former Manchester United manager to be sacked in a week, following Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

For Boniface and Tella, both key attacking players, the managerial change comes at a critical moment. 

Boniface has struggled to find consistency under Ten Hag, while Tella impressed in recent outings.

The timing of Ten Hag’s departure coincides with international disappointment, as both Nigerians were omitted from the Super Eagles’ 23-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

Wale Adejumo

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