By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen have made a u-turn on the release of Nigerian duo, Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Boniface and Tella, barring any unforeseen circumstances are expected to be included in Nigeria’s squad for the biennial competition.
Aside from the two players, hosts Cote d’Ivoire are expected to include Odilon Koussounou in their squad.
Edmond Tapsoba and Amine Adil are also key members of Burkinaso Faso and Morocco squad.
Leverkusen Chief Executive Officer, Fernando Carro earlier complained about the timing of the competition and claimed the club will take legal action to prevent the players from taking part in the competition.
The club’s managing director Simon Rofles has however overruled Carro and stated that the club will allow all the players to attend the competition.
“If they are called up, they will go,” Rolfes said to Kicker about the five Bayer Leverkusen players in line to represent their respective countries at the AFCON.
The 2023 AFCON will run from January 13 to February 11, 2024.