Victor Boniface hints at retirement in cryptic message after Super Eagles draw

Photo Credit - NFF Media.

Victor Boniface has hinted at retiring from international football with Nigeria, following an announcement he made on his Instagram page.

“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 done hang boot,” wrote the Bayer Leverkusen forward (meaning he has retired from international football).

During the friendly against Russia, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Luzhniki Stadium, Boniface featured for 61 minutes and was substituted by Tolu Arokodare of Belgian club Genk.

Nigeria were still trailing 1-0 when Boniface was substituted, courtesy of an own goal by defender Semi Ajayi in the 27th minute. However, his replacement Arokodare saved the day, scoring the Super Eagles' equaliser ten minutes after coming on.

Boniface made his debut for the Super Eagles on September 10, 2023, coming on in the 64th minute for Taiwo Awoniyi. He provided an assist in that match for Samuel Chukwueze.

On December 29, 2023, he was named in the Nigerian squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast.

However, on January 8, 2024, Boniface sustained a muscle injury, which forced him to miss the tournament, and he was replaced by Terem Moffi.