Super Eeagles and Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has been ruled out of the African Cup of Nations, which begins on January 16 in Cote ‘d’Ivoire, according to Owngoalnigeria.
The nagging injury was claimed to have kept Boniface out of Sunday’s test against local club Al Gharbia and Monday’s loss to Guinean side Syli Nationale.
“A scan was done today, and the length of time he will be out of AFCON is unknown. Victor Boniface will return to Germany, where he will begin treatment for the groin injury that is expected to keep him out for six weeks,” Owngoalnigeria reported.
The 23-year-olds seemed to have acceppted his destiny after wishing his teammates the best of luck in the tournament.
“Good luck guys… Wish you all the best at afcon,” Boniface posted on Instagram on Monday.
It is expected that the Nigeria Football Federation would name his replacement.
Boniface, the former Saint Union Gelloise attacker was set to forge a lethal partnership with Napoli star Victor Osimhen following a torrid start at Bay Arena, where he had scored 10 goals and supplied seven assists.
In his absence, the Nigerian team vying for its fourth title has suffered another major setback following the withdrawal of midfielder Wilfred Ndidi from the tournament due to a muscle injury that will sideline him for three months.
Ndidi has since been replaced by Royal Antwerp’s Alhassan Yusuf.