The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024 is set to kick off this weekend, with Africa’s most competitive 24 nations battling it out to be crowned the Champions of Africa. Three-time winner Nigeria is also gearing up for the tournament, aiming for a fourth title this edition.
The Super Eagles have called up some in-form big guns in the attacking department from across Europe, including Napoli’s prolific goal-scorer Victor Osimhen, Ahmed Musa, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Umar Sadiq. Unfortunately, one of the key forwards, Victor Boniface has been ruled out due to injury.
Terem Moffi steps in to replace Victor Boniface in Super Eagles’ squad
Victor Boniface emerged as one of the most lethal strikers in the Bundesliga this season with a sensational goal-scoring spree. However, the Bayern Leverkusen star has suffered a groin injury during the national team preparatory camp in Dubai ahead of their tournament opener in Group A against Equatorial Guinea.
The recovery period is expected to be three months following medical tests upon his return to Germany. The tests suggest that the forward will likely undergo corrective surgery and is estimated to remain sidelined until April. Subsequently, he has withdrawn from the 25-man AFCON squad of the Super Eagles.
Moreover, the 23-year-old also missed Nigeria’s recent pre-tournament friendly match. Therefore, Portuguese head coach Jose Peseiro has called up OGC Nice striker Terem Moffi as the last-gasp emergency replacement. Nigeria has officially announced it while stating that approval from CAF and the player’s club is pending.
Moffi netted a brace in just 17 minutes for his club side in their last Ligue 1 outing in December. He has demonstrated his eye for goal and attacking prowess with Nice this campaign, scoring 6 league goals. Now, getting the last-minute call-up for national team duty, the forward will join the camp soon.
Victor Boniface AFCON bad luck continues with injury
Victor Boniface was thriving under the supervision of manager Xabi Alonso who has successfully managed to get the best out of the newly arrived striker. He has been an integral part of Bayern Leverkusan’s sensational run this campaign as they occupy first place in the Bundesliga points table.
The 23-year-old displayed exceptional form, bagging an impressive tally of 16 goals and providing 8 assists in a total of 23 appearances in all competitions so far this season. However, he will now be missing club action as well following his injury.
Boniface made his senior team debut for Nigeria in September 2023, and the AFCON 2024 was going to be his first major international tournament in national colors. Unfortunately, he is no longer part of it. Notably, this isn’t the first occurrence where he missed Africa’s continental competition. He also missed AFCON-U20 under similar circumstances.
