 On 20 August 2002, Niculae was recalled for Romania, ending a nine-month absence caused by a long-term injury.On 28 April 2004, Niculae returned at the national team, coming as a late substitute in a 5–1 thrashing win against Germany national team, the worst away defeat for the Germans since the past 65 years.It was his first match for Romania since November 2002.