Bayer Leverkusen chief confirms Nigerian duo will be released for 2023 AFCON 

By Wale Mustapha

Amid speculations of blocking their African players from representing their countries at the forthcoming African Cup of Nations, AFCON starting in January 2024, Managing Director of Bayer Leverkusen, Simon Rolfes has dispelled the rumor and confirmed their anticipated release.

CEO of Leverkusen, Fernando Carro had previously said he was considering legal action to prevent Super Eagles’ duo of Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella from representing Nigeria at the AFCON citing the timing of  the competition which will hold between January 13th and February 11th, 2024.

The tournament could see Leverkusen have their squad weakened with three other players also in contention to play leave for Ivory Coast tourney including Odilon Kossounou (Ivory Coast), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso) and Amine Adli (Morocco).

Rolfes has however stated that the aforementioned players will not be persuaded to reject a call-up for the Africa Cup of Nations.

“If they are called up, they will go,” Rolfes said about the five Bayer Leverkusen players in line to represent their respective countries at the AFCON.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and other football associations going for the tournament are expected to submit their final squad for the AFCON on or before January 3, 2024, while a provisional roster containing 55 players has to be sent to the Confederation of African Football, CAF by 14th of December, 2023.

According to Fifa regulations, Bayer Leverkusen are obligated to release Boniface and Tella for the Africa Cup of Nations.