Ademola Lookman's impressive return at Atalanta was not enough to edge Victor Boniface as the Naija Stars Abroad's Baller of the Week.
In a week of stellar performances by Nigerian footballers across Europe, Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen has claimed the coveted Naija Stars Abroad's Baller of the Week title, narrowly outshining Ademola Lookman's impressive return at Atalanta.
Boniface's standout performance came as Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning German champions, secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
00:05 - 21.08.2024
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The Super Eagles striker was instrumental in the win, contributing two goals and an assist to account for three of his team's four goals.
Meanwhile, Lookman, widely tipped as a contender for the next African Player of the Year, made a significant impact in Atalanta's 3-2 away victory against Fiorentina in Serie A.
The Nigerian forward found the back of the net once and provided one of the assists of the season, marking a successful return to his team’s starting eleven.
Despite Lookman's noteworthy display, it was Boniface who ultimately claimed the weekly honour, thanks to his exceptional goal-scoring prowess and overall contribution to Leverkusen's dominant performance.
The competition for the award was fierce, with several other Nigerian players delivering impressive performances across European leagues, most especially, as reported by Naija Stars Abroad.
Wilfred Ndidi, reinventing himself as a number 10 for Leicester City, narrowly missed out despite providing two assists.
Ola Aina's perfect display for Nottingham Forest at Anfield also caught attention, as did the emerging talent Collins Sor, who scored one and assisted two goals in Belgium, putting himself on the radar for a potential Super Eagles call-up.
This week's results highlight the depth of Nigerian talent currently making waves in European football.
As the season progresses, the competition for the Naija Stars Abroad's Baller of the Week is expected to intensify, showcasing the impact of Nigerian players across various leagues.
The recognition of both Boniface and Lookman, in particular, underscores their growing importance not just for their clubs but also for the Nigerian national team as they continue to excel on the international stage.