Super Eagles striker and Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface has announced his retirement from international football at just 24 years old, following Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Russia in an international friendly.
Boniface, who started the match in the Super Eagles’ attack, was substituted in the 61st minute for Genk’s Tolu Arokodare, who went on to score the equaliser ten minutes later.
The friendly, played on Friday night, marked Nigeria’s continued unbeaten run under new head coach Eric Chelle, who took over the team in January 2025.
In a post shared on Instagram shortly after the match, Boniface expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country, stating that while it was a dream come true, the decision to retire was a personal one brought on by difficult experiences on the pitch.
“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 wrote.
The former Union SG forward made 13 appearances for the Nigerian national team, scoring one goal during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in a match against São Tomé and Príncipe.
Though he enjoyed tremendous success at club level, including winning the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen, Boniface struggled to make a lasting impact for the Super Eagles, a situation that reportedly weighed heavily on his decision to step away from international duties.
His announcement has sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with fans expressing mixed emotions—some offering words of support and others questioning the timing of his departure.
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