Former Super Eagles and Anderlecht defender, Mobi Oparaku, has come in defence of Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, amid his sparked retirement from the Super Eagles.

Boniface sparked speculations among football enthusiasts in Nigeria last week when he made a post about ending his national team spell after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Russia in an international friendly.

In a now-deleted post, the 24-year-old said he enjoyed every moment with the Eagles.

“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 wrote.

Boniface has had a good spell at club level but is yet to replicate the same form for the Super Eagles.

Boniface was given a rare start by Eric Chelle against Russia last Friday, but again, his performance fell short, as he mustered just one shot on target and completed eight passes in his time on the pitch before he made way for goal scorer Tolu Arokodare in the 61st minute.

Oparaku jumped to the defence of the former Union Saint-Gilloise striker, claiming his effort on the pitch should at least count for something.

“It has been a long season, most players are already mentally fatigued and just want to go on break.

“He is a good player who has simply struggled to find his best form with the Super Eagles, but Boniface is not a player who doesn’t show heart on the pitch,” the ex-Enyimba International defender told Brila.