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Nigerian forward Victor Boniface has expressed disappointment after being left off the shortlist for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Player of the Year award, despite his outstanding performance in the 2023/2024 season.
In a video shared by sports journalist Pooja on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Boniface admitted he felt let down by the omission. “Not sad, but disappointed because I had an amazing season last season,” he said. “For me not to be there… maybe the award is for African players in AFCON, I don’t know. But if it’s for African Player of the Year, I think I had a great season.”
However, Boniface noted that personal accolades are not his primary focus, emphasizing his commitment to improving as a player. “I don’t need to prove to anybody; I don’t really care about awards and stuff. But of course, as a football player, I want to improve, I want to do more for myself,” he added.
When asked who he believes deserves the award, Boniface unhesitatingly named his compatriot, Ademola Lookman, saying, “Lookman, for sure Lookman.”
CAF’s October-announced shortlist notably excluded Boniface and the reigning titleholder, Victor Osimhen. Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong did make the final 10 nominees, alongside Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Sofiane Rahimi, Algeria’s Amine Gouiri, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Burkina Faso’s Edmond Tapsoba, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.
Despite the snub, Boniface’s focus remains on excelling on the pitch, with the hope that his efforts will speak louder than any recognition.
