•Osimhen (left) and Oshoala (right)
Victor Osimhen has been named the African Player of the Year in the 2023 CAF awards held yesterday at the Palais des Congrès, Movenpick, Marrakech, Morocco.
Despite going head-to-head for the 2023 CAF Africa Player of the Year award with Achraf Hakimi and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, the Napoli striker became the first Nigerian to win the top African gong since Kanu Nwankwo claimed the prestigious award 24 years ago.
Osimhen, 24-year-old, had a superb season, helping Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years and the Golden Boot award, scoring an impressive 31 goals in 39 matches and was the top-scorer during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Like Morocco, Nigeria did have a clean sweep in the award category; it got a nomination, winning four, except in the Women’s Young Player of the Year.
Barcelona star and five-time African women’s player of the year, Asisat Oshoala made history after she claimed a record sixth (6) crown.
Her Super Falcons teammate and shot stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie scooped the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, as the 9-time Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) winners was named the 2023 National women’s Team of the Year.
It was a mixed feeling for Nigerians, after Morocco’s Nesryne El Chad was voted for the 2023 Women’s Young Player of the Year award ahead of Super Falcons’ Deborah Abiodun.
