Victor Boniface has emerged as a strong contender for the African Player of the Year award after majority of the European leagues concluded the past weekend.

Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, won the award last year following his historic season with the Italian side, but his performances in the 2023/24 season have been underwhelming.

It is not halfway through the year, but fans have rallied behind the Super Eagles star for the award to return to Nigeria.

The 23-year-old has had an outstanding campaign with Leverkusen helping the club to their first-ever league title.

The former Union SG forward registered 14 goals and 9 assists in 23 league appearances.

Boniface has also recorded 21 goals and 10 assists in 33 league appearances for Xabi Alonso's side.

The Super Eagles striker is the club's top scorer this season as they set their sight on a historic treble.

Now let's look at the four other contenders for the coveted award as reported by Sportsbrief.

5. Kudus Mohammed

The Ghanaian international had a remarkable debut campaign in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old registered 18 goals and 7 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions for the Hammers.

He ended his season with a stunning bicycle kick against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, May 19.

4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Olympique Marseille and Gabon

The 34-year-old who won the award in 2015 has notched 30 goals and 11 assists in 51 games this season.

No African player has scored more goals than him in Europe's top five leagues.

3. Mohamed Salah - Liverpool and Egypt

The Egyptian is also a strong contender for the award following his remarkable campaign with the Reds.

He ended the season with 25 goals and 14 assists in 44 games across all competitions.

The ex-Roma star also won the English League Cup in February with the Reds. He was the African top scorer in the Premier League this past season.

2. Serhou Guirassy - Stuttgart and Guinea

Surprisingly, the Guinean scored 28 Bundesliga goals for Stuttgart this past season.

He helped his side qualify for UEFA Champions League next season.

Only Bayern Munich's Harry Kane scored more league goals than him.

WDN