Key Striker’s Absence Compounds Challenges for the Super Eagles
23-year-old striker Victor Boniface, currently leading the goal charts for Bayer Leverkusen, has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This decision comes in the wake of a groin injury sustained during training, sidelining him for Nigeria’s final warm-up friendly against Guinea and potentially keeping him out of action for up to six weeks.
Boniface, who wished his teammates success at AFCON via an Instagram post, expressed his disappointment at missing the tournament. His absence is a double blow, not just for the national team but also for Bayer Leverkusen, where he has been the standout performer with 10 goals in 16 league games this season.
The 23-year-old striker made his international debut for Nigeria in October, quickly amassing four caps. His prolific form at the club level added an extra layer of potency to Nigeria’s attacking options, making his injury a matter of concern for the Super Eagles.
This development compounds the challenges for the Nigerian team, which recently faced another blow with the withdrawal of midfielder Wilfred Ndidi due to injury. The midfield maestro’s absence will be felt keenly, adding pressure on the remaining squad members to step up.
In addition to Boniface and Ndidi, Nigeria is closely monitoring the fitness of Kelechi Iheanacho, a fellow Leicester City player. Iheanacho, who has been a pivotal figure for both club and country, is currently undergoing assessments at the national team’s training camp. The hope is that he will recover in time for the AFCON tournament, set to commence on Saturday.
- Tags: AFCON, boniface, supereagles
