 Dinamo managed the Double on 13 May, as they won 2–0 against Universitatea Craiova in the Romanian Cup final, with Niculae opening the scoreboard from the penalty spot in the 31st minute.Since Niculae was not included in the squad for UEFA Euro 2000, he was selected for Romania U-21 as they were allowed to participate in the League Cup.He scored a hat-trick against Rocar Bucureşti and a brace against FC Naţional for Romania U-21, before he was allowed to return to Dinamo for the final match of the South Group against Steaua Bucureşti.