By Omotosho Victor Fiyinfoluwa (SIWES student, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti)
Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, a key player for Bayer Leverkusen, missed the Super Eagles’ recent friendly against Guinea due to a muscular injury incurred during training in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This setback is a cause for concern as the team gears up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Boniface’s absence extended to the test game against Abu Dhabi-based club Al Gharib, heightening worries as he is a crucial forward relied upon for goal-scoring.
Sunday Oliseh, a former Nigerian international, expressed his concern, stating that Boniface’s absence would be a significant blow to the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023.
With Wilfred Ndidi already ruled out due to injury, replaced by Alhassan Yusuf, and questions surrounding the fitness of Kelechi Iheanacho, the team faces uncertainties in key positions.
The Eagles, placed in Group A alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, kick off their AFCON campaign on January 14 against Equatorial Guinea.
As the tournament approaches, early arrivals include Guinea-Bissau and Morocco, both touching down in Côte d’Ivoire on January 7.
The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON winners, aim to navigate the group stage with challenging matches scheduled for January 18 against Côte d’Ivoire and January 22 against Guinea-Bissau.
