Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has been named the Bundesliga Rookie of the Year, beating out Dortmund's Ian Maatsen and PSG-owned Xavi Simons after an impressive debut season with Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Victor Boniface, in his first season with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, has won the prestigious Bundesliga Rookie of the Year award. The 23-year-old Nigerian striker joined the German club from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in August and quickly adapted to the Bundesliga, winning the Newcomer of the Month award for four consecutive months.
Boniface's impact was instrumental in Leverkusen's record 50-game unbeaten run, as he scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in the league. His performances earned him a nomination for the Bundesliga Rookie of the Year Award, which he ultimately won, beating out competition from Borussia Dortmund's Ian Maatsen, RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons (on loan from PSG), and TSG Hoffenheim's Maximilian Beier.
Despite suffering an adductor injury that sidelined him for three months and caused him to miss the AFCON 2023 tournament with Nigeria, Boniface has been crucial to Leverkusen's treble charge, contributing 20 goals and 10 assists in 32 games across all competitions. With the Bundesliga trophy already secured, Boniface is hungry to achieve further success in the upcoming Europa League and DFB-Pokal finals.
Boniface's achievement is significant, as he follows in the footsteps of Karim Adeyemi, who won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Year award last season while playing for Borussia Dortmund. This recognition not only highlights Boniface's talent but also the growing influence of Nigerian and African players in one of Europe's top leagues.
