Nigeria forward Victor Boniface admitted that missing out on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was a painful experience for him.

Boniface missed the competition due to an injury.

The Bayer Leverkusen striker sustained an adductor injury during the Super Eagles’ preparation for the competition.

The 23-year-old spent three months on the sidelines due to the setback.

The striker returned to action at the end of last month.

“It was difficult, one of the most painful moments of my career—not only the injury itself but, of course, also my absence from the Africa Cup of Nations and some important Bundesliga games,” Boniface told AFP via Transfermarkt.

“But that’s football; you have ups; you have downs. It’s about your attitude and your mindset. You need the right people around you in moments like this. I had the support of the club; that was important.”