Côte d’Ivoire 2023: Victor Boniface ruled out of AFCON after suffering groin injury

Boniface’s injury is the latest blow for Nigeria in her bid for a fourth AFCON title.

News Agency of Nigeria • January 8, 2024

Victor Boniface (Credit: Pulseng)

Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has been ruled out of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to kick off on Saturday, 13th January, after suffering a groin injury on Monday.

The Nigeria Football Federation is yet to officially announce the development, but multiple reports have confirmed the news, including the player himself, who posted a goodwill message to the team on social media.

“Good luck, guys,” the player posted on Instagram.

In a post by renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, he said Boniface is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks which consequently ruled him out of the biggest football showpiece on the continent.

Boniface’s injury is the latest blow for Nigeria in her bid for a fourth AFCON title. Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was forced out of the tournament due to injury while his teammate Kelechi Iheanacho is still doubtful as he is still recovering from injury.

Meanwhile, Nigeria was beaten 2-0 on Monday by Guinea in a preparatory game in the United Arab Emirates, where the team is currently camped ahead of the tournament.

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