AFCON 2023: Bayen Leverkusen chief is confident of coping without Boniface, Tella 

By Wale Mustapha

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director, Simon Rofles insists the club have enough qualities to replace Nigerian duo of Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella when they eventually leave for the 2023 African Cup of Nations in January.

The current German Bundesliga leaders might be without up five regulars, with Edmond Tapsoba, Odilon Kossounou and Amine Adli joining the Super Eagles’ duo as eligible players to feature for the AFCON tournament.

Notable games the players could miss include the clash against Stuttgart in the DFB Podkal Cup and league games against Bayern Munich and Leipzig, with the Die Werkself likely to see their unbeaten run end during the Afcon.

Rofles, however maintained that the club is rich in squad depth to compensate for the absent African players.

“We have always said that we have many, many good players. The team enjoys playing football. No matter who comes in,” the sporting director reacted to media.

“Let’s wait and see who is ultimately nominated for the Africa Cup of Nations and how long they will be missing. But those who are there are all of a very, very good level.”

Boniface looked too sure to be named in Nigeria’s traveling squad to Ivory Coast but his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Tella is not guaranteed a roster spot considering that he made his Super Eagles’ debut just last month.