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Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has been named the 2023/24 Bundesliga Rookie of the Season for his outstanding debut in the German top flight.
The Nigerian forward surpassed Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen, who has been impressive for Borussia Dortmund since joining in January. RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, also on loan from PSG, and Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier.
“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 in the Bundesliga — winning four Rookie of the Month trophies. Congrats Victor!”
The Akure-born striker, also named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season, has been instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s push for their first title, which they secured with five games to spare.
Boniface has scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 22 games despite being sidelined for almost four months with an injury that also caused him to miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria.
He has tallied 20 goals and ten assists in 32 games in all competitions this season.
With the league officially ending on Saturday, Bayer Leverkusen could set a historic record by finishing the league unbeaten in 34 matches. They have already set a European record with 50 games unbeaten. They are in contention for a treble, with the Europa League final against Atalanta in Dublin next Wednesday and the DFB Pokal final against FC Kaiserslautern on May 25.
Boniface’s impressive performance in Germany also puts him in contention for the African Player of the Year Award alongside compatriot Ademola Lookman, who has been exceptional for Atalanta in Serie A and European competitions.
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