Nigerian striker Victor Boniface expresses disappointment over being excluded from the CAF Awards despite his stellar season.
Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has voiced his disappointment over not being included in the shortlist for the Confederation of African Football Men’s Player of the Year award.
The CAF shortlist, revealed in October, featured Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong.
However, the final list of 10 nominees did not include Boniface and Victor Osimhen.
The list also includes Achraf Hakimi and Sofiane Rahimi from Morocco, Amine Gouiri from Algeria, Simon Adingra from Ivory Coast, Chancel Mbemba from DR Congo, Serhou Guirassy from Guinea, Edmond Tapsoba from Burkina Faso, and Ronwen Williams from South Africa.
“I’m not sad, just disappointed. I had an amazing season last year, so it’s frustrating not to be nominated. Perhaps the award is only for players who participated in AFCON—I’m not sure. However, if it’s truly meant for African Player of the Year overall, I believe my performance was outstanding,” Boniface commented in a video shared on X by sports journalist Pooja this past Sunday while responding to his CAF nomination status.
He mentioned that although awards are not his main priority, he continues to focus on enhancing his performance.
“I don’t feel the need to prove myself to anyone or worry about awards and accolades. However, as a football player, I am always eager to improve and achieve more for my own growth,” he stated.
When asked who he thinks should win, Boniface replied by naming Ademola Lookman and emphasized, “Lookman, definitely Lookman.”
