Peseiro names the Nigerian star whose absence cost the Super Eagles glory at AFCON 2023: “He was very confident”

very confident”

According to Soccernet.ng, former Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro regrets that Bayer Leverkusen

attacker Victor Boniface was unable to attend the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The 34th continental championships saw the absence of several of Nigeria’s best players, notably Taiwo

Awoniyi and Wilfred Ndidi, a midfielder for Leicester City.

Interestingly, Victor Boniface and Umar Sadiq were almost certain to feature at the AFCON before

injuries struck in the eleventh hour, forcing coach Peseiro to call up late replacements.

The Super Eagles still excelled despite the absentees, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali impressive in

goal, William Troost-Ekong solid in defence, Frank Onyeka relentless in midfield, Ademola Lookman

decisive in attack, while Victor Osimhen fought like a beast as Nigeria reached the final of the

tournament.

However, the Super Eagles failed to soar in the title decider, succumbing to the superior firepower of

host country, Cote d’Ivoire.

Looking back at the AFCON, Peseiro is convinced that the Super Eagles would have lifted the title if

Boniface had not suffered the injury that ruled him of the continent’s biggest football festival.