Victor Boniface Speaks Out on CAF Player of the Year Exclusion

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Okoh Boniface has expressed disappointment over his omission from the 2024 CAF Player of the Year nominee list. Despite a stellar season under Xabi Alonso, where the 23-year-old clinched the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal while remaining unbeaten domestically, Boniface was left off the prestigious shortlist.

Last season, Boniface featured in 51 matches across all competitions, with his team losing only once—a heartbreaking UEFA Europa League final against Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta. His remarkable contributions came despite a three-month absence due to an adductor injury, which also ruled him out of the upcoming AFCON tournament.

CAF’s 10-man shortlist included fellow Super Eagles players Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong, alongside Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy. Boniface, however, felt his accomplishments warranted recognition.

“Based on what I did last season, I should be on the list,” Boniface said in quotes shared by Brila FM. “But I’m not stressing over it.”

When asked about his pick for the award, Boniface backed Lookman, a teammate and Ballon d’Or nominee. “Lookman, for sure, deserves it. If I were nominated, I’d pick myself, it’s normal.”

Boniface recently returned to action for Nigeria, coming off the bench in a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Benin, a result that confirmed the Super Eagles’ qualification for AFCON 2025.