Victor Boniface Retirement Rumors: Fact or Fiction?

Recent speculation surrounding Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface’s alleged retirement from international football has sparked widespread discussion among Nigerian football fans. A post on X dated June 6, 2025, by user @oyimzy claimed that Boniface had retired from the Super Eagles, citing a caption or comment from the player himself. Another post by @breeze_okoye echoed similar sentiments, suggesting Boniface’s retirement based on his recent statements. However, without official confirmation from Boniface, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), or credible sports news outlets, these claims remain speculative and unverified. This article examines the rumors, Boniface’s recent activities, and his standing with the Super Eagles to clarify the situation.

The Source of the Retirement Rumors

The retirement rumors appear to stem from posts on X, where users speculated about Boniface’s commitment to the Nigerian national team. For instance, @oyimzy’s post on June 6, 2025, boldly stated, “Victor Boniface has retired from the Super Eagles!!!!” accompanied by a link that has not been independently verified. Similarly, @breeze_okoye suggested that Boniface’s latest caption or comment hinted at quitting the Super Eagles, though the post noted the player’s tendency to be unserious, casting doubt on the seriousness of his statements. Another X post by @mamus____ criticized Boniface’s lack of goals in 13 appearances for Nigeria, which may have fueled fan frustration and speculation about his international future.

However, no major sports news outlet, such as ESPN, BBC Sport, or The Sun Nigeria, has reported Boniface announcing his retirement. The absence of corroboration from reputable sources or an official statement from Boniface or the NFF suggests these claims are, at best, premature and, at worst, baseless. Social media platforms like X are often rife with unverified information, and fans should approach such claims cautiously until confirmed by authoritative sources.

Boniface’s Recent International Career

Victor Boniface, the 24-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker, has been a key figure for both club and country, though his international career has yet to match his club form. Boniface earned his first cap for Nigeria in a 6-0 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe on September 10, 2023, marking a significant milestone in his career. Despite this, he has struggled to find the back of the net for the Super Eagles, with zero goals in 13 appearances as of March 2025. This goal drought led to criticism from some fans, as highlighted in an X post by @mamus____, and prompted Boniface to appeal for patience in an Instagram story in March 2025, where he wrote, “Nigerians please be patient with me, the goal will come.”

Boniface’s most recent international activity was marred by a thigh injury sustained during international duty in November 2024, which sidelined him until early 2025. Despite this setback, he was named as a substitute in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on March 21, 2025, indicating his continued involvement with the national team. The Super Eagles, under new coach Eric Chelle, secured a 2-0 victory in that match, with Victor Osimhen scoring both goals. Boniface’s presence in the squad suggests he remains part of Nigeria’s plans for the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, further undermining the retirement rumors.

Club Form and Transfer Speculation

Boniface’s club career has been a stark contrast to his international struggles. Since joining Bayer Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2023 for €20 million, he has been a standout performer. In the 2023/24 season, he scored 21 goals and provided 10 assists in 34 games, contributing to Leverkusen’s Bundesliga and domestic cup double. His performances earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award for four consecutive months (August to November 2023) and a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season. This season, despite the thigh injury, he has scored eight goals and provided one assist in 15 games as of January 2025.

Transfer speculation has also surrounded Boniface, with a potential €60 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr reported in January 2025. Although the deal reportedly fell through, with Al-Nassr opting for Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán instead, interest from clubs like Newcastle United and Chelsea has kept Boniface in the headlines. A post by @PulseSportsNG on June 6, 2025, cited transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, noting that Boniface could leave Leverkusen this summer due to multiple offers. His focus on club football and recovery from injury may have contributed to the perception of disengagement from international duty, but there is no evidence to suggest he has retired.

Context of Nigeria’s Super Eagles

The Super Eagles have been navigating a challenging period, particularly in their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. As of March 2025, Nigeria sat fourth in Group C, four points behind leaders South Africa, following a 2-0 win over Rwanda and a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe. The appointment of Eric Chelle as head coach in January 2025, the first non-Nigerian African to lead the team, has brought renewed hope but also scrutiny. Boniface, alongside stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, is seen as crucial to Nigeria’s qualification hopes. His inclusion in recent squads, despite not starting, indicates that Chelle values his potential contribution.

The pressure on Boniface to perform for Nigeria has been amplified by his lack of international goals, especially when compared to Osimhen’s prolific scoring. However, Boniface’s plea for patience in March 2025 suggests he remains committed to breaking his drought and contributing to the Super Eagles’ success. Retirement at this stage, at the age of 24 and with a World Cup on the horizon, seems highly unlikely without a clear statement from the player.

Why the Retirement Rumors Are Likely False

Several factors cast doubt on the retirement rumors. First, the lack of confirmation from Boniface, his representatives, or the NFF is a significant red flag. Major career decisions like international retirement typically involve official announcements, especially for a player of Boniface’s stature. Second, his recent involvement with the Super Eagles, including his place in the squad for the Rwanda match, contradicts the notion of retirement. Third, Boniface’s public statements, such as his Instagram plea for patience, reflect a desire to succeed with Nigeria rather than abandon the team.

The X posts fueling the rumors may stem from misinterpretations of Boniface’s lighthearted or ambiguous social media activity. Known for his infectious humor, as noted in a May 2025 article by The Sun Nigeria, Boniface often engages fans with playful comments, which could be misconstrued as serious declarations. For example, @breeze_okoye’s post acknowledged Boniface’s tendency to be “serious or not,” highlighting the risk of taking his statements out of context.

Conclusion

As of June 6, 2025, there is no credible evidence to support claims that Victor Boniface has retired from international football. The rumors appear to have originated from unverified X posts and lack backing from reputable sources or official statements. Boniface’s recent injury, struggles to score for Nigeria, and focus on his club career at Bayer Leverkusen may have fueled speculation, but his inclusion in the Super Eagles squad and his public commitment to improving his international form suggest he remains dedicated to the national team. Until an official announcement is made, fans should treat these retirement rumors as speculative and continue to support Boniface as he works to make an impact for the Super Eagles.