'It's a concern' - Bayer coach worried about Boniface, Tella linking up with Nigeria squad for AFCON

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has raised concerns over the potential participation of Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella and other African players in his side at the 2023 African Cup of Nations next year.

Tella and Boniface have been called up for the Super Eagles' upcoming World Cup qualifiers which will be played during the next international break and that will not influence Bayer Leverkusen's season.

However, should the duo be named in the Nigeria squad for AFCON, that could hinder the aspirations of the BayArena outfit as the competition will be played at a time when the European season is still ongoing.

The Black and Reds lead are table toppers in the Bundesliga at the moment and the absence of the Nigerian forwards will deplete the options in their attacking department.

In quotes relayed by Transfermarkt, the Spanish tactician said : "It is a concern for January and February, perhaps not having five players," said Alonso in Baku, Azerbaijan. "It is a reality. We have to accept that."

Moroccan forward Amine Adli, Burkina Faso centre back Edmond Tapsoba and Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou are the other players Bayer Leverkusen could miss during the tournament

The Africa Cup of Nations will be staged between January 13 and February 11 which could see the Spanish tactician miss Tella and Boniface for 5 games if Nigeria advance to the final of the competition.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid
 

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