Nigerian striker Victor Boniface is trending on social media again. The 23-year-old is back with his club Bayern Leverkusen in Germany after suffering an injury that ruled him out of the Africa Cup of Nations.
In Sunday’s AFCON Group A match between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, the teams played to a 1-1 draw despite Victor Osimhen equalizing for Nigeria in the first half.
Equatorial Guinea took the lead before Osimhen headed in the equalizer for Nigeria. After that, Nigeria had several chances but were thwarted by excellent goalkeeping from Jesus Owono. Equatorial Guinea next plays Guinea-Bissau while Nigeria faces a pivotal match against Ivory Coast.
Due to a thigh injury, Boniface was unable to play in AFCON and returned to Leverkusen for surgery on “a muscle and tendon injury in his right adductor.” Nigeria called up Terem Moffi to replace Boniface.
Boniface posted on social media supporting Nigeria against Equatorial Guinea, including an eagle emoji that sparked controversy.
Some suggested the emoji indicated Boniface was in a “bird cult.”
Boniface immediately denied any cult links, posting “Una say I be bird, Oga Nna Super Eagles logo be that oooooo. Which one be say I be bird abeg ooo.”
He will continue rehabilitation in Germany while Nigeria aims to rebound at AFCON.
