Bayer manager identifies replacement in case Boniface is named in Super Eagles AFCON squad
Published: November 24, 2023Victor Boniface is a certainty to be included in Nigeria's squad of up to twenty seven players for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, barring an injury before the tournament in Ivory Coast.
The former Royale Union Saint-Gilloise striker has forced his way into reckoning following a brilliant start to his career in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.
Since the start of the season, the 22-year-old has played in every single game contested by the Super Eagles - five in total.
Boniface has emerged as a key player for Bayer Leverkusen, registering 11 goals and six assists in 16 all-competition appearances, and was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for three consecutive months.
The Nigeria national teamer could miss five Bundesliga matches if the Super Eagles go all the way to the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Bayer Leverkusen will have a reduced squad during the Africa Cup of Nations as five of their players could potentially represent their respective countries, including the Nigerian duo of Nathan Tella and Boniface, Odilon Kossounou (Ivory Coast), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso) and Amine Adli (Morocco).
According to German newspaper Bild, Patrik Schick will step into the shoes of Boniface if he's included in the Nigeria squad to the AFCON.
The Czech Republic international is nearing a return to full fitness after the injury troubles that have plagued him over the past one year.
"We wait and see. Patrik is in a good mood, he is strong. But with him: We are in no hurry!" Alonso emphasized.
Alonso confirmed that Tella and Boniface returned from international duty fit and healthy, and are available for selection on Saturday afternoon against Werder Bremen.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- 'Has been pretty good' - Transfer reporter reveals Southampton have a big call to make on Onuachu
- U17 EURO: Arsenal kid Obi-Martin named in Denmark squad; hopes to emulate Victor Moses, Solanke
- Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea? Napoli striker Osimhen picks his preferred destination
- 'He does miss opportunities' - Ex-Celtic star slams Rangers striker Dessers ahead of Old Firm derby
- 'When I'm gone, you gonna miss me' - Aston Villa target Iheanacho drops huge hint on his Leicester future
- '2 clean sheets and 7 goals' - Madueke believes Chelsea have hit good form in time for finale to season
- 'That's why we had to take him off' - Rangers boss confirms Leon Balogun has suffered an injury
- Chuba Akpom comments on his future with Ajax amid Nottingham Forest and Fulham interest
- Nigerian exports: Akpom, Boniface, Madueke strike; Adewoye, Oluwaseyi goals help RKC, MNUFC set club records
- Akor Adams: Turkish giants Besiktas have zero chance of signing Montpellier striker this summer
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football