Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has thrown his support behind compatriot Ademola Lookman for the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its shortlist of 10 exceptional players competing for the prestigious Player of the Year award, with Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong earning well-deserved spots on the list.
Despite playing a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen's historic triumph during the 2023/2024 season, Boniface was notably absent from the CAF shortlist. The talented forward netted an impressive 14 goals in 23 league appearances, proving instrumental in Xabi Alonso’s squad securing their first-ever league title.
Despite his own standout performances last season, the Leverusen forward expressed admiration for Lookman’s achievements and affirmed that the Atalanta star deserves the accolade.
Boniface highlights Lookman’s brilliance for prestigious CAF honour
In an interview with BBC's Oluwashina Okeleji as shared on X, Boniface expressed his admiration for Lookman, endorsing him for the CAF Player of the Year award.
Reflecting on his performance last season, he remarked:
“Yeah, of course, with what I did last season, of course, I should. No, I don’t stress about it.”
When asked about his pick for a winner, Boniface stated:
“If I’m to pick the winner, it would be Lookman 100 percent, and if I were there, I would only pick myself. That one is normal, I will always pick myself.”
Lookman had a fine 2023/24 season during which he helped the Super Eagles reach the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024), climaxing with a historic, match-winning performance for his club, Atalanta, in the UEFA Europa League final.
The Nigerian forward finished the 2023/24 campaign with 33 goal involvements for club and country; he has started this term in similarly fine form, with eight goals and five assists in just 13 games already to his name.
With impressive performances for both club and country, the 27-year-old has earned recognition on the global stage, including a notable Ballon d'Or ranking.
