By Milcah Tanimu

Bayer Leverkusen forward and Super Eagles player, Victor Boniface, will miss the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to begin on January 16 in Cote d’Ivoire. The 23-year-old has been ruled out due to a groin injury, preventing his participation in the tournament.

Boniface was absent from a recent test game against local club Al Gharbia and Monday’s defeat against the Syli Nationale of Guinea, with the nagging injury cited as the cause. A scan revealed the extent of the injury, indicating that Boniface will be out for six weeks. He is set to return to Germany for treatment.

In a post on Instagram, Boniface expressed his resignation to fate and wished his teammates the best of luck at the AFCON tournament, saying, “Good luck guys… Wish you all the best at AFCON.”

With Boniface sidelined, it is expected that the Nigeria Football Federation will announce a replacement for the talented forward. Boniface had been anticipated to form a potent partnership with Napoli star Victor Osimhen, having scored 10 goals and provided seven assists at Bay Arena.

This injury setback adds to the challenges faced by the Nigerian team, as midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has already withdrawn from the tournament due to a muscle injury that will keep him out for three months. Alhassan Yusuf has been named as Ndidi’s replacement for the AFCON squad.