Victor Boniface was conspicuously absent as the Nigeria Super Eagles participated in two pre-AFCON 2023 friendly matches in Abu Dhabi.
Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations have been severely impacted with the news that Victor Boniface will miss the AFCON2023 journey. The Bayer Leverkusen star was noticeably missing as the Super Eagles played two pre-AFCON2023 friendly matches within 24 hours in Abu Dhabi.
In the absence of the 23-year-old, Nigeria secured a resounding 12-0 victory against a Dubai team, Al Gharbia, before succumbing to a defeat against Guinea on Monday afternoon.
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Victor Boniface’s exclusion comes as a significant blow to Nigeria’s ambitions of clinching the AFCON for the fourth time, with him now joining the growing list of injured players, including Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho.
BBC reporter Oluwashina reported that Boniface missed both matches against Gharbia and Guinea due to a muscular problem sustained during training in the UAE. In a post on X.com, he mentioned, “Victor Boniface has again been left out of Nigeria’s friendly v Guinea as he is now battling to be fit for the AFCON after he picked up an injury in training in UAE. It is a muscular injury, missed training match against local club Al Gharib.”
Despite Boniface’s prolific form in Europe, where his goal contributions have propelled Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga, he is now facing a setback with a six-week injury. The Leverkusen star will return to his German club to recuperate, marking a significant loss for both the player and Nigeria’s AFCON aspirations under coach Jose Peseiro.