Afrigather 
Former Tremendous Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has expressed remorse that Bayer Leverkusen ahead Victor Boniface missed the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, Soccernet.ng experiences.
A number of of Nigeria’s elite gamers have been absent on the thirty fourth version of the continental championships, together with Leicester Metropolis midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Curiously, Victor Boniface and Umar Sadiq have been virtually sure to function on the AFCON earlier than accidents struck within the eleventh hour, forcing coach Peseiro to name up late replacements.
The Tremendous Eagles nonetheless excelled regardless of the absentees, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali spectacular in purpose, William Troost-Ekong stable in defence, Frank Onyeka relentless in midfield, Ademola Lookman decisive in assault, whereas Victor Osimhen fought like a beast as Nigeria reached the ultimate of the match.
Nonetheless, the Tremendous Eagles did not soar within the title decider, succumbing to the superior firepower of host nation, Cote d’Ivoire.
Wanting again on the AFCON, Peseiro is satisfied that the Tremendous Eagles would have lifted the title if Boniface had not suffered the damage that dominated him of the continent’s greatest soccer pageant.
Boniface scored ten objectives and added seven assists in solely 16 Bundesliga video games forward of the AFCON.
Highlighting how Boniface was oozing with high quality and confidence within the weeks earlier than the AFCON, Peseiro insists the Bayer Leverkusen would have been the difference-maker for the Tremendous Eagles.
“I’ll say that Boniface would have made the distinction with out damage,” Peseiro mentioned in an interview in Portugal, as per Ghanasoccernet.
“He was very assured and may play comfortably in our two-man attacking type.
“He can even play on either side of the strikers, and that may have made him our invisible arc within the match. Our choices to refine our type have been restricted in his absence.”
Regardless of serving to Nigeria attain the AFCON remaining for the primary time in a decade, Peseiro left his position as head coach after the match.
The Nigeria Soccer Federation is in quest of a brand new head coach for the group, with Emmanuel Amunike, Michael Nsien, and Sylvanus Okpala among the candidates jostling to steer the three-time African champions.
N.B: Might Victor Boniface’s presence have lifted the Tremendous Eagles to AFCON glory in Cote d’Ivoire? Depart your feedback under.
