Victor Boniface is ruled out of AFCON 2023 with groin injury

• Victor Boniface will miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire after sustaining an injury during training in the team camp in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.
• The Bayer Leverkusen striker has suffered a groin injury that is expected to keep him out of action for six weeks.

It is a massive blow for the Super Eagles as Boniface was tipped to play a key role in Nigeria's quest for a fourth continental title in Cote d'Ivoire.

Boniface has enjoyed a breakout season at Bayer Leverkusen, where he has scored 16 goals and claimed eight assists in 23 games.

The Nigerian Football Federation will decide whether to call a replacement for Boniface as head coach Jose Peseiro has his plans punctured by injuries to key players.

Injury ruled out Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi for the AFCON, while Kelechi Iheanacho is currently in a race against time to be fit for Nigeria's opening match against Equatorial Guinea on January 14.

Among the players the NFF can invite to replace Boniface are Trabzonspor's Paul Onuachu, OGC Nice's Terem Moffi, and former Watford ace, Emmanuel Dennis.