NIGERIA: Victor Boniface Reacts To CAF Player Of the Year Snub

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has shared his disappointment after being excluded from the shortlist for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Player of the Year award.

Despite an impressive 2023/2024 season, Boniface was notably left off the list of finalists, a decision that has sparked discussions among football fans and analysts.

In a video shared by sports journalist Pooja on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Boniface reflected on his exclusion. “Not sad, but disappointed because I had an amazing season last season,” he said. “For me not to be there… maybe the award is for African players in AFCON, I don’t know. But in general, if it’s for African Player of the Year, I think I had a great season.”

While acknowledging his disappointment, the striker emphasised that awards are not his main focus. “I don’t need to prove to anybody; I don’t really care about awards and stuff,” Boniface added. “But of course, as a football player, I want to improve, I want to do more for myself.”

When asked who he believes deserves to win the coveted title, Boniface confidently named fellow Nigerian international Ademola Lookman, saying, “Lookman, for sure Lookman.”

The CAF shortlist, announced in October, includes Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong but excludes Boniface and reigning title holder Victor Osimhen.

The final 10 nominees are a mix of standout players across Africa, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Sofiane Rahimi, Algeria’s Amine Gouiri, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Burkina Faso’s Edmond Tapsoba, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.