Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has opened up about how missing out on the last 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) staged in Ivory Coast affected him.
Boniface sustained a groin injury during the Super Eagles’ training camp before the 2023 AFCON, dealing a blow to the preferred formation of erstwhile coach Jose Peseiro.
The Bayer Leverkusen star was one of the players tipped to make a huge impact at the continental flagship competition and was later replaced by Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu.
“It was difficult, one of the most painful moments of my career—not only the injury itself but of course also my absence from the Africa Cup of Nations and some important Bundesliga games,” Boniface told Transfermarkt.
“But that’s football; you have ups and downs. It’s about your attitude and your mindset. You need the right people around you in moments like this. I had the support of the club; that was important.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, however, advanced to the highly competitive competition’s final and had to settle for second place after losing 2 to 1 to the host country.
