Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has announced his retirement from international football at just 24 years old.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward made the surprise announcement late Friday night through a post 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 don hang boot,” he wrote, using a Nigerian expression meaning he’s stepping away from the game.
Boniface’s announcement came shortly after Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw against Russia in an international friendly in Moscow.
He started the match and led the attack for the Super Eagles but failed to score once again. His substitute, Tolu Arokodare, came off the bench to equalize in the 71st minute and rescue a draw for Nigeria.
The forward has faced mounting criticism over his lack of goals for the national team, with fans and pundits questioning his form and impact in recent matches.
Adding to his uncertainty, Boniface’s club future is also in question following the appointment of Erik ten Hag as Bayer Leverkusen’s new head coach, raising speculation about his role in the team moving forward.