Has been dealt a significant blow with the news of Victor Boniface’s injury. The prolific 23-year-old striker, instrumental in Leverkusen’s impressive run with 16 goals and 8 assists in 25 matches, suffered a severe setback during preparations for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON). This unfortunate development not only rules Boniface out of his maiden AFCON appearance with Nigeria but also forces him to undergo surgery, sidelining him for several months.
Xabi Alonso’s undefeated side, boasting 22 wins and 3 draws across all competitions, showcased a remarkable offensive style of play, with Boniface emerging as a linchpin of their attacking prowess.
However, as the striker was gearing up to represent Nigeria in AFCON, disaster struck when he tore his adductors, forcing him to withdraw from the competition.
Initially anticipated to be absent for just over a month, a subsequent examination on Tuesday delivered a grim prognosis, unveiling a more severe musculotendinous injury to his right adductor.
The club released an official statement confirming the unfortunate turn of events, stating, “Boniface will be operated on in the coming days. The 23-year-old striker should be able to return to the Bayer 04 team at the beginning of April.”
This unexpected turn of events will see Boniface sidelined for approximately three months, posing a considerable setback for Bayer Leverkusen as they continue to compete on multiple fronts in the latter part of the season.
The loss of their prolific goal-scorer adds a layer of challenge for the German side, testing their depth and resilience in the pursuit of maintaining their stellar form.
