AFCON Qualifiers: Why Boniface snubbed Eagles

In-form Union St Gilloise striker Victor Boniface was initially called up by Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro for the doubleheader 2023 Africa cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau but shunned the Nigeria Football Federation’s invite for the match, PUNCH Sports Extra has exclusively learnt.

Our correspondent gathered that the 22-year-old stayed away from the Eagles for the qualifiers after he was called up but wasn’t sent his flight ticket accompanying for the trip to Nigeria and back to Belgium.

“Boniface expected his invitation letter to come with a return flight ticket,” a source revealed.

“He could not understand why he has to buy his ticket and then be reimbursed by the NFF thereafter.”

The Eagles, who are reportedly owed a staggering 19 match bonuses dating several years, reclaimed the top spot in Group A of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after defeating hosts Guinea-Bissau 1-0 at Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau on Monday evening.

Moses Simon scored the winner from the spot after 30 minutes.

The result saw the Eagles avenge a shock defeat at the hands of the Djurtus in Abuja last Friday and took them to nine points atop the standings. Guinea-Bissau are second on seven points, with Sierra Leone on five points in third place. Sao Tome & Principe are fourth with just a point.