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
- England squads announcement: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham starlets eligible for Nigeria selected
- Man Utd join Chelsea in keeping an eye on situation of Super Eagles star ahead of possible summer move
- Finidi sweats over fitness of 2023 AFCON star Onyeka before Super Eagles squad announcement
- Potential Zirkzee replacement: Bologna linked with move for 2023 Super Eagles invitee
- U17 AFCON qualifier Nigeria 1 Niger 0: Rapha Adams header secures three points for Golden Eaglets
- Isaac Success: 2013 U17 AFCON top scorer suffers injury in Italy ahead of Finidi's squad announcement
- After the return to action of Onuachu and Osayi-Samuel, Finidi has another fitness boost pre-Bafana Bafana
- Bayo Fapetu: Derby County in contract talks with midfielder who was on the books of Arsenal for ten years
- Photo: Eberechi Eze takes son of ex-Super Eagles star Victor Moses under his wing at Crystal Palace
- Osimhen's replacement: Napoli contact Man Utd over signing one-cap England international
- 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