Bayer Leverkusen’s manager, Xabi Alonso, has voiced his discontent regarding the scheduling of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Cote d’Ivoire in January 2024. The manager expresses concern as Die Werkself faces the prospect of being without five crucial players during this pivotal competition.
Among the notable absentees is forward Victor Boniface, who is expected to feature in Nigeria’s squad. Additionally, former Southampton midfielder Nathan Tella might join the action, having received a maiden invitation to the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
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The Leverkusen squad could further be depleted by the potential inclusion of Moroccan forward Amine Adli, Burkina Faso centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, and Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou in their respective national teams for the AFCON finals.
Acknowledging the challenge, Alonso admitted that dealing with this situation is an imperative for his side. As Leverkusen navigates this player shortage, stay tuned for updates on how the team copes with the absence of these key contributors.
“It is a concern for January and February, perhaps not having five players. It is a reality. We have to accept that,”
Alonso told Transfermarkt.
The 2023 AFCON is scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024, with the Teranga Lions of Senegal as the defending champions.
