“I should be on the list” – Victor Boniface reacts to CAF POTY nomination exclusion, names his favourite to win

Super Eagles and Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker, Victor Okoh Boniface, has reacted to his omission from the list of CAF Player of the year nominees, revealing he ought to be there, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 23-year-old forward made history with Xabi Alonso's side last season, winning the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal whilst remaining unbeaten domestically. In 51 games last term, Die Werkself lost just one game, in the UEFA Europa League final against Ademola Lookman's Atalanta.

However, the former Union Saint-Gilloise forward missed about three months of action due to an adductor injury. The injury ruled Boniface out of the AFCON 2023 tournament.

CAF released the list of ten players nominated for the Player of the Year award including Borussia Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy. Among the nominees were his international teammates, Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong.

Boniface didn't make the cut, and he expressed his displeasure, claiming he should have been there based on what he achieved with his club side last season.

“Of course based on what I did last season, I should be on the list, but I’m not stressing over it,” the Super Eagles forward said in quotes revealed by Brila.

Quizzed about his preferred candidate to win the award, Boniface opted for his teammate and Ballon d'Or nominee, Ademola Lookman.

“Lookman, for sure, deserves it. If I were nominated, I’d pick myself, it’s normal.”

Boniface featured in Nigeria's 1-1 draw against the Republic of Benin, replacing Alex Iwobi in the 72nd minute as the Super Eagles sealed their AFCON 2025 slot.