Boniface, Lookman nominated for Europa League goal award

Super Eagles duo Victor Boniface and Ademoa Lookman have both been nominated for the Europa League Goal of the Tournament award. 

UEFA’s Technical Observer panel has picked the top ten most eye-catching goals scored in the 2023-2024 Europa League, with Boniface and Lookman making the cut for their efforts against Qarabag and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.

Bayer Leverkusen secured a convincing 5-1 win over Qarabag on matchday three in Group H, with Boniface scoring the third goal for the German champions.

Boniface increased the lead to 3-1 with a long-range effort into the top corner on 35 minutes.

Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final as Atalanta thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to win their first-ever European title, and his second goal is up for the award.

READ ALSO: Lookman makes UEFA Europa League Team of the Season

Twenty six minutes into the contest,Bayer Leverkusen gave the ball away from Kovář’s kick upfield and Lookman pounced, cutting inside his man then bending low into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area to double the advantage. 

In their bid to win the award, Boniface and Lookman face competition from Marseille’s Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who has been double nominated and West Ham United’s Ghana sensation Mohamed Kudus.

Other nominees are João Pedro (Brighton), Darwin Núñez (Liverpool), David Douděra (Slavia Prague), Rafael Leão (AC Milan) and Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen).

Lookman was named Player of the Week for his incredible performance against Bayer Leverkusen, topping the poll ahead of Éderson, Piero Hincapie and Davide Zappacosta.

The Atalanta number 11 has been named in the Europa League Team of the Season after netting five goals in eleven matches.