Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has clinched the Rookie of the Season award in the German Bundesliga following his fine performances for Bayer Leverkusen.
The 23-year-old joined Leverkusen in July 2023 and he has made a remarkable start to life in Germany.
The Rookie of the Season award honours the best young player in the German top-flight and the Nigeria international saw off competition from RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simmons, Borussia Dortmund’s Ian Maatsen and Hoffenheim’s Maximilian Beier.
Boniface’s goalscoring contributions powered Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 campaign with Xabi Alonso’s men set to end the league season without losing a game.
His tally of 13 goals and eight assists in 22 Bundesliga appearances is the most by any Bayer Leverkusen player this season.
Earlier in the season, Boniface claimed four consecutive Rookie of the Month awards between August and November, and he overcame an injury nightmare to revive his fine form.
The Nigeria star was sidelined for over four months after picking a muscle injury before the start of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in January and he did not return until mid April.
Boniface will be looking to help Bayer Leverkusen end the 2023-24 season on a higher note as they get ready for the UEFA Europa League final against Atalanta on May 22 and the German Cup final against FC Kaiserslautern from the second division on May 25.
