Victor Igbonefo

Victor Chukwuekezie Igbonefo (born 10 October 1985) is a retired professional footballer who plays as a centre-back. Born in Nigeria, he played for the Indonesia national team.

Club career Early career Igbonefo started his career by joining Nigerdock Soccer Academy in Nigeria. In 2003, He signed his first professional contract for Lagos based club, First Bank. He made 18 league appearances with the club before leaving in 2004.

Persipura Jayapura In 2005, Igbonefo signed for Indonesian league giant, Persipura Jayapura. On his first season with the club, he won the 2005 Indonesian League, after defeating Persija Jakarta 3–2 in the final. Igbonefo became a key player for Persipura in their campaign to win the league in 2008–09 and 2010–11 respectively, he also formed a solid partnership in the heart of defence with Bio Paulin. On 7 October 2009, Igbonefo helped Persipura to win the 2009 Indonesian Community Shield after defeating Sriwijaya 3–1 at Andi Mattalatta Stadium.

Pelita Jaya On 12 October 2011, it was announced that Igbonefo has joined Pelita Jaya, two-days after he was naturalized as Indonesian citizen. He only stayed a season, making 31 appearances and scoring 5 goals.

On 6 August 2012, Igbonefo was loaned out to Thai Premier League club Chiangrai United. He was loaned with teammate Greg Nwokolo until October 2012. During his short loan spell, Igbonefo made 12 appearances and scoring a goal.

Arema Cronus During the 2013 season, Igbonefo helped Arema Cronus finish as league runners-up. On 25 February 2014, Igbonefo scored his first goal for Arema Cronus, in a 1–1 draw against Selangor in the 2014 AFC Cup group stage match tie.

On 28 July 2015, Igbonefo returned to Thailand, by signing a loan deal for Osotspa Samut Prakan, he was given the number 30 shirt. He was signed by the team, to strengthen them in the second half of the 2015 season.

Navy On 2 January 2016, It was announced that Igbonefo has joined Thai League 1 club, Royal Navy. On 20 July 2016, He scored an equaliser in the 90th-minute to help Navy hold BEC Tero Sasana 1–1. In his only season with the club, Igbonefo recorded 29 appearances and scored 2 goals, with his team finishing 14th in the league.

International career The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) announced that Igbonefo has been officially naturalised on 10 October 2011. He made his debut for the Indonesia national football team in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign against Saudi Arabia on 23 March 2013.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours

Persipura Jayapura Indonesia Super League: 2008–09, 2010–11 Liga Indonesia Premier Division: 2005 Indonesian Community Shield: 2009 Copa Indonesia runner-up: 2006, 2007–08, 2008–09

Arema Cronus Menpora Cup: 2013 Inter Island Cup: 2014

Persib Bandung Liga 1: 2023–24, 2024–25

Indonesia AFF Championship runner-up: 2020

Individual Menpora Cup Best XI: 2021