THE Super Eagles of Nigeria have confirmed that Victor Boniface will take no part in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) in Cote d’Ivoire.
The in-form Bayer Leverkusen striker sustained an injury in the Super Eagles training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and could be out of action for as much as six weeks.
AFCON 2023 will begin on Saturday and end on February 11, with Nigeria among 24 teams participating.
OGC Nice striker Terem Moffi has been called up as replacement for Boniface, pending the approval of the Ligue 1 club.
Moffi was in the provisional 40-man Super Eagles squad but was dropped when the team was cut down to a final 25 by head coach Jose Peseiro.
Boniface joins Wilfred Ndidi in withdrawing from the Super Eagles squad with injury, while Kelechi Iheanacho is in a race against time to be for for the continental showpiece.
The withdrawal of Boniface is a major blow to Super Eagles head coach Peseiro’s plans.
The 23-year-old striker has emerged as one of the most productive players in Europe this season since joining Bayer Leverkusen from Union St Gilloise.
Boniface has scored 16 goals and made eight assists in 23 appearances in all competitions this term as Bayer Leverkusen lead the German Bundesliga and advanced to the round of 16 in the UEFA Europa League.
