Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface believes he is the top contender for the 2024 African Player of the Year award, confidently positioning himself as the standout player in the race for the prestigious title.
Boniface’s compatriot, Victor Osimhen, won the award in 2023 after a remarkable season with Napoli. This year, Atalanta star Ademola Lookman is widely regarded as the favorite, thanks to his stellar performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and in the UEFA Europa League.
Lookman scored three goals in seven appearances for Nigeria at the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire and capped his season by netting a sensational hat-trick in the Europa League final, leading Atalanta to victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite Lookman’s achievements, Boniface is backing himself for the coveted award. The 23-year-old had a brilliant campaign with Bayer Leverkusen last season, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions. His contributions were crucial to Leverkusen’s success as they clinched both the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal.
“Probably between me and Lookman. I will go for myself as the African Footballer of the Year; I rate myself that high,” Boniface confidently stated in an interview with SportyTV. “If it’s just based on what we did last season, I’ll pick myself.”
With both players enjoying stellar seasons, the race for the African Footballer of the Year award promises to be an exciting contest.
