In a devastating setback for both the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 23-year-old striker Victor Okoh Boniface is poised to spend approximately four months on the sidelines due to an injury sustained during his national team duties.
Initially included in Jose Peseiro’s 25-man AFCON squad list, Boniface had to withdraw from the squad after suffering a muscle-tendon injury in his right adductor.
The void left by Boniface’s absence has been swiftly filled by OGC Nice’s Terem Moffi, who has been drafted into the squad as his replacement and is set to join the team on their journey to Ivory Coast.
While the initial scan hinted at a six-week recovery period, Bayer Leverkusen’s official website delivered a harsh reality, revealing that the young striker will undergo surgery.
His expected return date is now scheduled for early April, dealing a significant blow to Xabi Alonso’s squad during the crucial stages of the Rückrunde.
This news compounds Alonso’s challenges, as the Spanish coach is already without four key players engaged in international duty at the AFCON tournament. Boniface’s absence will be acutely felt, especially in the upcoming clash against Bayern Munich and the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.
Although a potential return for the quarter-finals remains uncertain, the Super Eagles star’s absence will undoubtedly leave a significant void in Leverkusen’s attacking prowess.
Boasting an impressive record of ten goals and six assists in sixteen league starts this season, Boniface’s injury marks a challenging period for Xabi Alonso and his men as they navigate crucial fixtures without their prolific striker.
