Victor Boniface absence cost Eagles AFCON title – Jose Peseiro

Former Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro believes the absence of Victor Boniface from Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations squad values the crew’s title in Ivory Coast, Foxiz NIGERIA activities Further studies.

Nigeria has been getting ready to be successful in a fourth AFCON title final in February; however, it misplaced 2-1 within the remaining two hosts, Ivory Coast, regardless of taking a primary half lead.

The Eagles seemed set to repeat their 1-0 victory over the Ivorians from the group stage when captain William Troost-Ekong – who had netted a penalty to resolve that first assembly – rose to go within the opener late in the first half.

Nonetheless, Franck Kessie equalised simply after the hour mark and earlier than Sebastien Haller turned in Simon Adingra’s cross within the 81st minute to seal a 3rd AFCON title for Ivory Coast.

Recounting his AFCON expertise in an interview with AfricafootUnited, the Portuguese tactician said Boniface would have made an enormous distinction if he was out there for the event.

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“I’ll say that Boniface would have made the distinction without damage,” Peseiro stated.

“He was very assured and might play comfortably in our two-man attacking model. He can also play on each side of the strikers, which might have made him our invisible arc within the event.

“Our choices to refine our model have been restricted in his (Boniface) absence.”

In the meantime, Boniface is predicted to motion in April after damage that has stored him out of motion for three months.

The star ahead final performed and scored for Leverkusen in a 4-0 dwelling win over VFL Bochum on December 20.

Boniface has been excellent for Bayer Leverkusen since he joined from Belgian membership Royale Union SG in the final summer season. The Nigerian striker had a fantastic run that noticed him rating 16 objectives and making eight assists in 23 appearances throughout all competitions for Die Werkself earlier than his damage.