Nigerian footballer Victor Boniface has voiced his disappointment over being excluded from the nominees for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
- The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled a 10-man shortlist for the prestigious award last month, featuring Boniface’s compatriots Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong. However, the 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker, who enjoyed an outstanding season, was notably left out.
Boniface played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic triumphs, leading the club to their first-ever Bundesliga title and clinching the DFB Pokal. Despite these achievements, his contributions did not earn him a spot among the nominees.
“Of course, I’m disappointed not being shortlisted. Based on my performance last season, I think I should feel that way, but I don’t stress about it,” Boniface told BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji in an interview.
When asked to name his preferred winner, Boniface responded confidently: “If I’m to pick the winner, it would be Lookman 100 per cent. If I were on the list, I’d pick myself.”
The CAF Awards ceremony celebrates outstanding individual achievements in African football, and the 2024 edition is eagerly anticipated.
