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The Bayer Leverkusen striker led online cheers for the Super Eagles throughout the tournament and was devastated after the AFCON 2023 final loss to Ivory Coast
In the wake of a crushing defeat for Nigeria at the hands of Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, Super Eagles star Victor Boniface expressed his despair in a manner that resonated with many fans.
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10:32 - 09.02.2024
Victor Boniface: Super Eagles star rewards fan with ₦500,000 for stunning portrait ahead of AFCON 2023 final
Victor Boniface showed his generosity on social media after a fan showed off an impressive portrait of him.
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14:24 - 01.02.2024
Victor Boniface: Super Eagles striker turns down chance to marry fan's sister
Super Eagles star Victor Boniface rejected a request from a fan who voluntarily offered his sister to him for marriage.
The Bayer Leverkusen attacker, sidelined due to a knee injury, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to voice his heartbreak, hinting at stepping away from the social media platform altogether.
A Devastating Defeat
Ivory Coast secured their third AFCON title after coming from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in a gripping final at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara. The host nation, seeking redemption after their group stage loss to Nigeria, started aggressively, dominating possession and creating numerous chances.
Despite the Super Eagles taking the lead with a stunning header, the Ivorians fought back, with goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller turning the game on its head.
Injured Boniface feeling the pressure on social media
Following the defeat, Victor Boniface, who was unable to participate in the tournament due to a knee injury incurred during the Super Eagles' training camp in Abu Dhabi, took to X with a poignant message: “Thank you X. Finally deleting my acct.”
This post from Boniface underscores the emotional toll the AFCON loss has taken on the players, especially those who could only watch from the sidelines.
Victor Boniface's absence from the tournament was a significant blow to both the player and his team. Having to undergo surgery and miss out on the chance to compete in such a prestigious event was undoubtedly difficult for the young forward.
His post-match reaction on X highlights the profound connection players have with their national team's fortunes, feeling the weight of loss even when not on the pitch.
Heartbroken Boniface to focus on recovery
For Boniface and many Nigerian fans, the AFCON 2023 final loss to Ivory Coast is a bitter pill to swallow. The Super Eagles' journey to the final, filled with hope and expectation, ended in heartbreak, illustrating the highs and lows of football. Boniface's contemplated departure from X reflects a desire to disconnect and perhaps shield himself from the barrage of reactions that typically accompany such defeats.
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As the Super Eagles and their supporters come to terms with the outcome, the focus for players like Boniface will shift to recovery and looking ahead to future challenges. For now, the emotional response to the AFCON final loss serves as a reminder of the passion and commitment that players bring to representing their country, on and off the field.
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