Biography
Who is Victor Igbonefo?
Early life and career
Born in Nigeria, Victor Chukwuekezie Igbonefo began his football path at the Nigerdock Soccer Academy. He secured his first professional contract in 2003 with the Lagos-based team First Bank. During his time there, he participated in 18 league matches before moving on to new opportunities in 2004.
In 2005, Victor joined the Indonesian club Persipura Jayapura. His debut season proved successful as the team claimed the 2005 Indonesian League title after a 3–2 win against Persija Jakarta. He became a fixture in the squad, contributing to league titles during the 2008–09 and 2010–11 seasons. While at Persipura, he established a strong defensive partnership with teammate Bio Paulin. On October 7, 2009, he also helped the team secure the Indonesian Community Shield by defeating Sriwijaya 3–1.
International and club career
Victor Igbonefo officially became a naturalized Indonesian citizen on October 10, 2011. Shortly after, he joined Pelita Jaya, where he spent one season. During that time, he appeared in 31 league matches and scored 5 goals. In August 2012, he was loaned to the Thai Premier League club Chiangrai United, where he played 12 matches and scored once.
He later joined Arema Cronus for the 2013 season and helped the team finish as runners-up in the league. On February 25, 2014, he scored his first goal for the club during an AFC Cup group stage match against Selangor. In 2015, he went back to Thailand for a loan spell with Osotspa Samut Prakan, wearing the number 30 shirt. By 2016, he signed with the Thai League 1 club Royal Navy. He played 29 matches for the team and scored 2 goals, especially hitting an equalizer in the 90th minute against BEC Tero Sasana.
Later seasons and achievements
Victor Igbonefo continued his career with Persib Bandung, winning the Liga 1 title during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons. His international career saw him debut for the Indonesia national football team on March 23, 2013, during the 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification match against Saudi Arabia. He also contributed to the squad that finished as runners-up in the 2020 AFF Championship.
Over his extensive career, Victor earned various honors, including several Copa Indonesia runner-up finishes with Persipura Jayapura. He also helped Arema Cronus win the Menpora Cup in 2013 and the Inter Island Cup in 2014. In 2021, he was named to the Menpora Cup Best XI for his performance on the field.
Birthday and age
Victor Igbonefo was born on October 10, 1985, which makes Victor 41 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Victor shares the date with 38 other famous people.
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