 On 14 April, Niculae scored his first league hat-trick against Gaz Metan Mediaş, in a 4–2 home win.In May, Niculae continued his quest for the Golden Boot, scoring three more goals against FCM Bacău, Petrolul Ploieşti and Ceahlăul Piatra Neamţ, taking his league tally of goals up to 17.On 19 May, he scored twice against Gloria Bistriţa in a 3–1 home win.