Jonathan Afolabi crowned SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for July
Jonathan Afolabi Credit: Sportsfile
Bohemians' Jonathan Afolabi has been recognised as the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for July. The accolade comes after a successful month where he netted five goals.
The 23-year-old Afolabi, currently experiencing the best season of his career in terms of goals scored, played a pivotal role in Declan Devine's squad.
In July, not only did the Gypsies remain undefeated, but Afolabi also found the back of the net in each of his four appearances.
This includes significant goals, such as the late winner against Dundalk and the decisive strike that ousted Dublin rivals, Shelbourne, from the FAI Cup.
Afolabi's formidable form didn't stop there. He secured a goal against Shels during their league clash and managed a double against the bottom-placed team, UCD.
With a tally of 11 goals across all competitions, he now has the league's golden boot within his sights.
The voting by SWI members saw Afolabi as a top choice among the six nominees. Emmanuel Adegboyega, previously with Drogheda United before his move to Norwich City, clinched the second spot. The third place went to Bohemians' young talent, James McManus.
This accolade makes Afolabi the second player from Bohemians to win the award in the current season, with Ali Coote having claimed it earlier in March.
On being honored, Afolabi expressed his gratitude and stated, "I'm buzzing. It feels like more of a team achievement than my own. Everyone had a hand in it - the staff, the players, putting in a load of work to make sure the players and the team becomes better."
He went on to highlight the team's forward movement, saying, "The quality has been really good going forward, the players are starting to click."
Reflecting on his memorable goals, Afolabi shared, "The Rovers game, 2-2, is what started it. It was a shot from out of the box, from instinct. That's what got it rolling so that's probably my best moment for me."
Other players who were shortlisted for the July award include Derry City's Will Patching, Adam Foley from Drogheda United, and Shels' Gavin Molloy.
