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By: Abiodun Adewale
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface boasted about his Nigerian fanbase and quality on Wednesday after he won the Bundesliga Rookie of The Season award for his instant impact in his debut season in the German topflight, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigerian striker beat Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen, who has been impressive for Borussia Dortmund since joining in January, RB Leipzig Xavi Simons, also on loan from PSG and Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier to the award which was decided by votes.
“And the winner is Victor Boniface,” Bundesliga announced via X on Wednesday.
“Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface takes home the #BLRookie of the Season award from Sorare after making an instant impact to the Bundesliga — in which he won four Rookie of the Month trophies in a row. Congrats Victor!”
“9ja no dey carry last. Thank you, guys,” the striker also posted on X after he was announced.
The Akure-born striker, who was also named in the Bundesliga team of the season, has been one of the propellers of Bayer Leverkusen’s push for their first title, which they achieved with five games to spare.
He has scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 22 games. He was out for almost four months with an injury, which also saw him miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria.
He has 20 goals and 10 assists in 32 games across all competitions this season.
With the league officially ending on Saturday, they could set an unprecedented record of winning the league with an unbeaten record of 34 matches.
Currently, they have set a European record of 50 games unbeaten and could win a treble with the Europa League final coming up next Wednesday against Atalanta in Dublin as well as the DFB Pokal final against FC Kaiserslautern May 25.
Thanks to his impressive run in Germany, he could also well be in the run for the African Player of The Year Award alongside compatriot Ademola Lookman who has also been incredible for Atalanta in the Serie A and Europe.