The Nigerian football community was thrown into a frenzy last week when Victor Boniface, one of the country’s most promising attacking talents, appeared to announce his retirement from the Super Eagles. The Bayer Leverkusen striker made a now-deleted social media post after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Russia, stating, “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’s announcement came as a shock, especially given his relatively short tenure with the national team. The 24-year-old only made his Super Eagles debut in 2023. He has since earned 13 caps, scoring one goal and providing one assist for Nigeria. Despite his limited contributions on the scoresheet, Boniface was a key figure in Nigeria’s attacking future.
However, the story took another turn when Boniface and those close to him clarified that the retirement post was not serious. According to his representatives and comments from the player himself, the message was a joke. A bit of “cruise” on social media, not a formal decision to step away from international football. Boniface later responded to fans’ concerns with a playful message, essentially denying any intention to quit the Super Eagles.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion surrounding Boniface’s status was fueled by his recent struggles with injuries. He missed the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to a major abductor injury and sidelined again during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. These setbacks, combined with underwhelming performances for Nigeria, may have contributed to his frustration and the tone of his social media post.
While speculation has swirled about Boniface’s future at Bayer Leverkusen, his agent has firmly stated that the striker is committed to the club. Despite rumours of a transfer, Boniface’s camp insists he is happy in Germany. The upcoming season under new coach Erik ten Hag is important to him. Last season, Boniface scored eight goals and provided one assist in 19 Bundesliga appearances. Playing a crucial role in Leverkusen’s campaign.
Despite the viral retirement post, Victor Boniface remains a Super Eagles player. His recent social media antics may have sparked rumours. But both the player and his representatives have made it clear that he has not quit the Nigerian national team.