Afcon 2023: Bayer Leverkusen considering legal action to keep Boniface, Tella

By Wale Mustapha

There are possibilities the duo of Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella may be missing out in Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations, AFCON starting in January in Ivory Coast.

Their denial will be down to a steps about to be taken by CEO of Bayer Leverkusen, Fernando Carro who is planning to approach FIFA to stop players from attending the AFCON as its taking place within the season.

Carro who joined the Die Werkself in 2018 has expressed his displeasure with the timing of the African football showpiece and is considering legal action to hold onto his Africain contingents in the team.

Leverkusen are boast of five African players who are most likely to make their respective national teams for the AFCON.

They include Amine Adli (Morrocco), Odillon Kousonnou (Ivory Coast), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface (Nigeria) and Carro is concerned about the devastating effect their absence will cause in the team, as it will most likely lead to a disruption in the team balance and synergy.

The influential member of European Club Association, ECA said “It is unacceptable that the Africa Cup is being played in the middle of the season.

“To change that, I’ll have to get into a legal dispute with FIFA. We’re also considering a legal means of not having to release the players,” Carro start.

Leverkusen will miss both Boniface and Tapsoba the more as they are regular starters in the team with their absence between January 14th and February 10th for AFCON tournament will affect the specific dynamics in the team.