FORMER Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro believes the absence of Victor Boniface from the Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations squad is the only reason Nigeria lost the AFCON title in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria were on the brink of winning a fourth AFCON title last February but lost 2-1 in the final to hosts, Ivory Coast despite taking a first half lead.
The Eagles looked 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 decide that first meeting – rose to head in the opener late in the first half.
However, Franck Kessie equalised just after the hour mark and before Sebastien Haller turned in Simon Adingra’s cross in the 81st minute to seal a third AFCON title for Ivory Coast.
Recounting his AFCON experience in an interview with AfricafootUnited, the Portuguese tactician stated Boniface would have made a big difference if he was available for the tournament.
“I will say that Boniface would have made the difference without injury,” Peseiro 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 (Boniface) absence.”
Meanwhile, Boniface is expected to action in April after an injury that has kept him out of action for three months.
The star forward last played and scored for Leverkusen in a 4-0 home win over VFL Bochum on December 20.
Boniface has been outstanding for Bayer Leverkusen since he joined from Belgian club Royale Union SG last summer. The Nigerian striker had a great run that saw him score 16 goals and make eight assists in 23 appearances across all competitions for Die Werkself before his injury.
