Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is set for a six-week spell on the sidelines due to a groin injury sustained in training with Nigeria.
Boniface has been with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations holding in Ivory Coast from January 13, through February 11 2024.
The injury has now ruled him out for a longer period than the duration of the tournament.
Expressing his disappointment, Boniface tweeted, “U20 nations cup got injured 7 days before nations cup, Super Eagles got injured 6 days before Nations cup Na Only GOD Knows why.”
The injury comes as a blow to Leverkusen, who may have to cope without the services of the Nigerian forward during a crucial phase of the season.
With key matches against the likes of RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in the league, as well as a DFB Pokal quarter-final clash against VfB Stuttgart, Leverkusen will be looking to other players to step up in Boniface’s absence.
One potential replacement for Boniface in the Super Eagles team could be Nathan Tella Temitayo, another Nigerian-born player at Leverkusen, who was on the provisional squad list.
