Former Super Eagles coach, José Peseiro, has expressed his regret over Nigeria's unsuccessful campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking to a television station in Portugal, Peseiro pointed to the absence of talented striker Victor Boniface as a significant factor that contributed to the team's failure to secure the coveted trophy.
The Portuguese tactician firmly believes that with the Bayer Leverkusen forward in the squad, the Super Eagles could have gone all the way and clinched the competition. Boniface, however, was unable to participate in the tournament due to an untimely adductor injury sustained during the team's preparations. This unfortunate setback forced the young striker to withdraw from the competition just days before it commenced.
Reflecting on Nigeria's campaign, Peseiro stated, "I will say that Boniface would have made the difference without injury. 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 absence," he added.