Victor Boniface’s Shocking Exit from the Super Eagles at 24: What Really Happened?
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football, Victor Boniface, the 24-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker, announced his retirement from the Super Eagles on June 6, 2025. Yes, you read that right - retirement at 24! The bombshell came via an Instagram post just hours after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Russia in a friendly match, where Boniface was yanked off the pitch in the 61st minute. But here’s the kicker: he deleted the post shortly after, leaving fans buzzing with questions. Is this for real, or is Boniface just playing us all?
The Instagram post, now a ghost in the digital world, was raw and emotional. “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,” he wrote, using the Nigerian slang for hanging up his boots. For a player who’s been a sensation at Bayer Leverkusen, helping them clinch the Bundesliga with 21 goals last season, this sudden exit from international football is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
So, what pushed Boniface to this drastic decision? The tea is piping hot. His time with the Super Eagles hasn’t exactly been a fairy tale. In 13 appearances, he managed just one goal against Sao Tome and Principe in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Fans haven’t been kind, especially after his lackluster showing against Russia, where he failed to score before being subbed out for Toluwase Arokodare, who netted the equalizer. Social media erupted, with X users like @IbiShittu calling out his “poor form” and others speculating about deeper issues. Could the pressure have broken him? Some fans even whispered about depression, as compiled by Legit.ng, though nothing’s confirmed.
Then there’s the deleted post. Why would Boniface drop such a bombshell and then backtrack? Was it a heat-of-the-moment decision after facing fan heat? Or, as @GistLovers on X quipped, “The problem is you don’t know when Victor Okoh Boniface is serious.” The mystery has fans hooked, with posts like @LeaguesReporter’s racking up over 80,000 views. The Nigeria Football Federation hasn’t said a word yet, and neither has Boniface’s camp, leaving us all hanging.
At 24, Boniface is at the peak of his powers, making this exit feel like a plot twist nobody saw coming. His club career is soaring - 21 goals and nine assists last season say it all but the Super Eagles jersey seemed to weigh him down. Was it the relentless criticism, the high expectations, or something personal we don’t yet know? The deleted post suggests he might be second-guessing, but if this is the end, Nigeria’s losing a talent who could’ve been a game-changer.
What’s next for Boniface? He’ll likely keep lighting up the Bundesliga, but the Super Eagles will need to pivot. Arokodare’s goal against Russia already has fans eyeing him as a replacement. Meanwhile, the drama around Boniface’s exit is far from over. Will he clarify? Return? Or is this truly the end of his international story?
One thing’s for sure: Boniface’s saga has Nigeria talking, and we’re all glued to our screens for the next chapter. Did he quit for good, or is this just a cry for help? Drop your thoughts below - we’re dying to know what you think!
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!