Victor Boniface set to vie with Caicedo, Fernandez, Hojlund, Doku, Yamal, and others for prestigious award

Bayer Leverkusen’s forward, Victor Boniface, emerges as a contender for the Emerging Player of the Year honor at the upcoming 2023 Globe Soccer Awards.

The award was previously claimed by his compatriot, Victor Osimhen, in 2022 for his exceptional performance with SSC Napoli, the reigning champions of Serie A.

This time, Boniface, a key player since his move from Royale Union SG to Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, will contend with twenty-five other players in pursuit of the prestigious award.

Boniface’s remarkable season at Bay Arena has seen him tally 11 goals and provide six assists in 16 appearances across various competitions.

The 22-year-old’s consistent brilliance earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Month title for August and secured the Rookie of the Month award for three consecutive months.

Additionally, his standout performances in the Europa League, notably securing the top scorer award, underlined his talent and contributed to his attraction to play in Germany.

Competing for the award, Boniface faces tough opposition including Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cesare Casadei, Rasmus Højlund, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Alejandro Balde, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Jamal Musiala, Evan Ferguson, Joško Gvardiol, Jeremy Doku, and Xavi Simons.

While unable to guide his national team to victory in recent World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, the Nigerian star aims to lead his Leverkusen teammates to triumph in their upcoming fixture against Werder Bremen away from home.