BREAKING: Major BLOW as Nigeria's Super Eagles lose Victor Boniface for AFCON 2023

Victor Boniface was a notable absentee as the Nigeria Super Eagles played two pre-AFCON 2023 friendly matches in Aby Dhabi.

Nigeria's preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations have been dealt a major blow after Victor Boniface has been ruled out of the Super Eagles AFCON2023 journey.

The Bayer Leverkusen star was the obvious omission as the Super Eagles played two pre-AFCON2023 friendly matches in the space of 24 hours in Abu Dhabi.

Super Eagles lose Boniface

The 23-year-old was the obvious absentee as Nigeria defeated a Dubai team Al Gharbia 12-0 before losing to Guinea on Monday afternoon.

Nigeria's quest to lift the AFCON for the fourth time has now taken another big hit, with Boniface joining a growing list of injured players that includes Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Per a post from BBC reporter Oluwashina, Boniface missed both matches against Gharbia and Guinea due to a muscular problem.

"Victor Boniface has again been left out of Nigeria's friendly v Guinea as he is now battling to be fit for the AFCON after he picked up an injury in training in UAE. It is a muscular injury, missed training match against local club Al Gharib," he posted on X.com.

The Leverkusen superstar has been one of Nigeria's most in-form players this season in Europe.

His goal contributions have inspired German side, Werkself, to the top of the Bundesliga and an unprecedented 25-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Boniface's form earned him his maiden debut for the national last season and a spot in the Super Eagles 25-man squad slated for the AFCON2023.

However, coach Jose Peseiro's quest to lift the AFCON has suffered a setback following the injury to the former Union Saint-Gilloise man, who has emerged as one of the most exciting youngsters in European football.

Per another post from Ojora Babatunde, Boniface is out for six weeks and will return to hos German club, Leverkusen.