Boniface has been ruled out of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Ivory Coast after picking up an injury.
Super Eagles star Victor Boniface has received words of encouragement from one of his international teammates after withdrawing from Nigeria’s squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on January 13, 2024.
Boniface to miss AFCON 2023
Boniface was named in Nigeria’s 25-man squad for the continental showpiece and had linked up with the rest of his teammates at their training camp in Abu Dhabi.
09:14 - 09.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro calls up six-goal star to replace injured Boniface
Boniface has been ruled out of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign but Peseiro has already found his replacement.
However, the 23-year-old had to withdraw from the squad after picking up a groin injury which is set to rule him out for six weeks.
The setback is a big blow for Boniface, who was hoping to represent Nigeria at a major international tournament at any level for the first time.
Boniface had also missed out on the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after picking an injury seven days before the start of the tournament.
But the latest blow has left the Bayer Leverkusen man devastated, taking to Twitter to express his disappointment.
Boniface said: U20 nations cup got injured 7 days before nations cup. Super Eagles got injured 6days before Nations Cup. Na Only GOD Knows why
However, while he was feeling sorry for himself, his international teammate Taiwo Awoniyi offered him a word of encouragement, urging him to come back stronger.
Awoniyi quoted the tweet, saying: “My guy mafo……. We gallant for that green white green We go again…..no one fit kill light 💡 Imole ma tan last last 💯
It’s a nice gesture from the former Chelsea target as he is also not in the Super Eagles squad due to an injury he picked up at his club, Nottingham Forest.
19:24 - 04.01.2024
Bayern Munich great Hitzfeld hails Victor Boniface's 'charismatic' boss Xabi Alonso
Victor Boniface's manager Xabi Alonso has been eulogised for his calmness and charisma at Bayer Leverkusen by a Bayern Legend.
However, unlike Boniface, Awoniyi has represented Nigeria at a major tournament, including the last AFCON.
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