Boniface regrets missing AFCON over injury, urges support for Super Eagles

Victor Boniface tussles for the ball in Leverkusen’s 3-0 win over Cologne on October 8, 2023. (Photo by AFP)

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has admitted that it was terrible for him to miss the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently going on in Ivory Coast due to injury.

Boniface had to withdraw from the Super Eagles squad for the 2023 AFCON. The forward suffered a groin injury in training which subsequently ruled him out of the competition.

Leverkusen in a statement said Boniface had undergone a successful operation while also ruling him out of competitive football action for the next three months.

The skillful forward who has already embarked on the road to recovery spoke to Leverkusen’s media on Wednesday and said he feels terrible to miss the 2023 AFCON.

“When I heard the news, it was difficult. It was terrible for me to miss out on the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and also some games for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga,” he said.

“But then, that is football and we expect things like this, however, it is just for me to remember to stay focused and come back to playing competitive football once again.”

On Leverkusen’s last Bundesliga game on Saturday, he said he watched the match and tried his best to support his teammates despite not being on the pitch with them.

The 23-year-old added that he felt great delight that his club eventually won the game against Augsburg by a lone goal which gave them an-all important three points.

“So, you all should expect me to keep supporting the team until I am back from my injury,” the Nigerian attacker added.

On his recovery from injury, he said now, the work starts and he feels okay but he said he knows he just has to take it step by step.

Boniface said he