 On 21 April, Niculae netted another hat-trick in a 5–0 win against Gloria Bistriţa.For the last ten minutes of the match, since there were no substitutes left, Niculae replaced the injured goalkeeper Bogdan Lobonţ, managing to keep a clean sheet.Following Lobonţ's long-term injury, Niculae has been appointed captain for the rest of the season.