Super Eagles and Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 24, just hours after featuring in Nigeria’s 1-1 friendly draw with Russia in Moscow.
Boniface made his senior debut for the Super Eagles under former coach José Peseiro on 10 September 2023, at the age of 22 years, 8 months and 18 days.
Since then, he has earned 13 caps and scored a solitary goal in a 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia in October 2023.
Despite his blistering form at club level netting 32 goals in 61 appearances for former Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen since his arrival in 2023 the forward struggled to replicate that output for the national team.
Victor Boniface of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the Bundesliga match between St. Pauli and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Photo by Getty Images
Following Nigeria’s spirited comeback against Russia, Boniface took to Instagram to confirm his decision to step away from the international stage:
“Proud to play for my country and a dream for me also, really enjoyed every moment the good and the bad. Thanks a lot, thank you all, I don hang boot.”
Boniface on Instagram. Photo Credit: Boniface_jrn
Friday’s match marked Nigeria’s first-ever senior meeting with Russia. The Super Eagles, without several regular starters, went behind to a first-half own goal but showed resolve to level after the break.
READ MORE: Nigeria fight back to claim draw in historic first meeting with Russia
Boniface started the match in Moscow but was replaced in the second half by Tolu Arokodare, who seized the opportunity by scoring the equaliser his first goal for Nigeria after capitalising on a rare error by Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.
Russia, who remain suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions since 2022, came into the fixture unbeaten in eight matches.
Victor Boniface playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Photo Credit: X
Boniface’s decision to retire has come as a shock to many, especially as he remains in peak physical condition and is enjoying the best form of his club career.
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Widely followed for his playful personality and viral memes on social media, it is believed the striker’s choice may be a joke or rooted in a desire to relieve himself from mounting pressure and frequent comparisons with fellow Nigerian forwards.
With Victor Osimhen firmly established as Nigeria’s first-choice striker and Arokodare emerging as a rising alternative, Boniface has faced increasing scrutiny over his national team performances.
