Talented Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman has expressed his dissatisfaction with the exclusion of his compatriot, Victor Boniface, from the 2024 CAF Men's Player of the Year shortlist.
Despite a remarkable season with Bayer Leverkusen, Boniface was surprisingly omitted from the list of nominees, sparking widespread debate and disappointment among fans and fellow players alike.
Victor Boniface, a 23-year-old Nigerian striker, played an instrumental role in Bayer Leverkusen's historic achievements last season. The club clinched their first-ever German Bundesliga title and also triumphed in the DFB Pokal, remaining unbeaten in domestic competitions throughout the season.
Boniface's contribution was pivotal, as he netted 21 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions for Die Werkself. His outstanding performances earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award, highlighting his impact in his debut season with the club.
However, Boniface's journey was not without challenges. He suffered an injury that sidelined him for nearly three months, causing him to miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to fitness issues. Nevertheless, he made a strong comeback, helping Bayer Leverkusen secure their titles and showcasing his resilience and determination.
Ademola Lookman, who has been vocal about his support for Boniface, believes that his teammate's personal achievements and contributions to Leverkusen's success warranted a nomination for the prestigious African Men's Footballer of the Year award.
In an interview with Sporty TV, Lookman stated, "Obviously Boniface, my teammate, had an amazing season last year. I think with his personal achievements, personal goals, and also winning two titles last year with Leverkusen. They were unbeaten in their league, special, maybe he could have been nominated for sure but you know I am not the one that makes the rules, you know."
Lookman's sentiments echo the views of many who feel that Boniface's exclusion is unjust, given his impressive track record and the accolades he garnered during the season. The omission has sparked discussions online, with fans and analysts debating the criteria and decision-making process behind the nominations.
Despite the snub, Boniface's future remains bright. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and he continues to be a key player for Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Lookman himself has been making headlines with his exploits at Atalanta, where he recently scored in a UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid, although the Italian side lost 3-2 to the Spanish giants.
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