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Jose Peseiro, former coach of the Nigerian national team, expressed his regret over the Super Eagles star's absence, believing the young striker could have been the game-changer for the team.
Nigeria's hopes at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations took a hit as Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface suffered an injury, forcing him to withdraw from the squad just before the tournament kicked off in Ivory Coast.
Peseiro had envisioned a dynamic attacking setup, with Boniface partnering with Victor Osimhen up front to lead the Super Eagles.
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Peseiro on Boniface ommision
In a television interview in Portugal, Peseiro lamented, as reported by Africafootunited, "I will say that Boniface would have made the difference without injury.
“He was very confident and can play comfortably in our two-man attacking style. He can also play on both sides of the strikers and that would have made him our invisible arc in the tournament. Our options to refine our style were limited in his absence."
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oniface had been in scintillating form for Bayer Leverkusen, notching up an impressive 24 goal involvements in just 23 appearances, with 16 goals and 8 assists to his name.
His versatility, capable of playing on either flank, added another dimension to Nigeria's attacking options.
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"He was in brilliant form before the tournament in Ivory Coast, registering 24 goal involvements (16 goals, 8 assists) in 23 all-competition appearances for Bayer Leverkusen. “Apart from his goals and assists, Boniface offers versatility as he is comfortable playing on both flanks," stated Peseiro.
The absence of Boniface undoubtedly left a void in Nigeria's attacking setup, and Peseiro reflects the missed opportunity for the Super Eagles to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations title.
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