Victor Boniface, striker for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and the Super Eagles, has been awarded the Bundesliga Rookie of the Year, MySportDab Reports.
The 23-year-old Nigerian joined Leverkusen in August from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise and made an immediate impact, winning the Newcomer of the Month award for four consecutive months from August to November.
Boniface has been a key player in Leverkusen’s remarkable 50-game unbeaten run, contributing 13 goals and nine assists in the league.
His exceptional performance earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Year award, beating out strong contenders such as on-loan Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen (Borussia Dortmund), on-loan PSG midfielder Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig), and Hoffenheim’s Maximillian Beier.
The Bundesliga announced the accolade via its official website, highlighting Boniface’s impressive debut season. Despite a significant setback with an adductor injury that sidelined him for three months and caused him to miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Boniface’s impact on the field has been profound.
Bayer Leverkusen celebrated the achievement with a tweet on May 15, 2024: “Rookie of the Season. ???????????????????? Victor Boniface. What a Year. ????????????#Bayer04 | #BLRookie #Sorare | @boniface_jrn.”
Boniface’s return from injury has been pivotal in Leverkusen’s chase for a treble. He has scored 20 goals and provided 10 assists across 32 games in all competitions.
With the Bundesliga title already secured, Leverkusen are aiming for further success in the Europa League final against Atalanta and the DFB-Pokal final against FC Kaiserslautern.
The Nigerian striker’s outstanding performances have also placed him in contention for the African Player of the Year award, competing alongside compatriot Ademola Lookman, who has had a stellar season with Atalanta in Serie A and European competitions.
