Nigeria striker Victor Boniface has been ruled out of the African Cup of Nations after suffering a groin injury at the team’s training camp in Dubai.
The Bayer Leverkusen star returned from the Middle East to have a scan in Cologne at which it was determined that he requires an operation with his club suggesting he will be out until the beginning of April.
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Boniface has been a key part in Leverkusen’s rise to the top of the Bundesliga standings, scoring 16 goals in 23 games in all competitions following his summer move from Belgian side Union Saint Gilloise.
He hasn’t been as prolific for his country, though, failing to find the net in five appearances.
He will be replaced in the Nigeria squad by Nice striker Terem Moffi, who will likely act as a back-up for Napoli star Victor Osimhen.
U20 nations cup got injured 7 days before nations cup
Super eagles got injured 6days before Nations cup
Na Only GOD Knows why
???? pic.twitter.com/BMJv8p9Jqs— Victor Boniface (@boniface_jrn) January 8, 2024
It is another blow for Nigeria and their coach Jose Peseiro after Leicester City midfielder Wilfried Ndidi was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to injury.
Nigeria begin their AFCON campaign with a Group A clash against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
