Super Eagles were limited without Boniface at AFCON 2023 — Peseiro

Super Eagles ex-manager Jose Peseiro has revealed that the absence of Victor Boniface limited Nigeria’s option at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Following his impressive tally of 16 goals and 8 assists across all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen, Peseiro handed Boniface an invitation to the Super Eagles AFCON 2023 squad, but the 23-year-old, unfortunately, picked up a groin injury a few days before the commencement of the competition.

24-year-old Terem Moffi was called up to replace Boniface, but the Nice striker was hardly involved in the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2023 campaign.

Peseiro in an interview in Portugal, insisted Boniface would’ve been a pivotal option for him, as reported by AfricafootUnited.

“I will say that Boniface would have made the difference without injury,” the Portuguese said.

“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.”

Following the expiration of his contract, Peseiro ceased to be the Super Eagles manager, bringing an end to his 22-month stint in the role.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has since declared the role vacant, leading to calls for an indigenous coach appointment from the likes of Segun Odegbami and Bonfrere Jo