Marrakech, Morocco – Victor Osimhen, the prolific Super Eagles striker, has been crowned the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, solidifying his place among the world’s elite footballers. Osimhen faced stiff competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, but ultimately emerged victorious in a momentous ceremony held in the imperial Moroccan city.
This prestigious award marks the culmination of an extraordinary year for Osimhen. Ending Nigeria’s 24-year wait for Africa’s highest individual accolade since Kanu Nwankwo’s win in 1999, the striker’s historic feat in Marrakech underscores his incredible contributions both at club and international levels.
Osimhen’s stellar performance for his club side, Napoli, played a pivotal role in their unprecedented Serie A title victory. He spearheaded the Italian team’s attack, scoring an impressive 26 league goals, becoming the first African to win the coveted Pichichi (top scorer) award. This achievement also surpassed George Weah’s record as the highest-scoring African player in Italian top-flight history.
Napoli’s last Scudetto triumph came 33 years ago, during the legendary Diego Maradona era. Osimhen’s impeccable form throughout the 2022/23 campaign saw him not only claim the league’s Best Striker award but also earn a spot in the prestigious Serie A Team of the Year.
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His impact on the pitch was further recognized by his inclusion in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, where he came ninth, becoming the highest-ranked African and the most-ranked Nigerian in the history of the award. Earlier this month, Osimhen also created history by becoming the first African to win the Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) award for Player of the Year.
While Nigeria’s absence from the 2022 World Cup was a major disappointment, Osimhen’s contributions to the Super Eagles in the year under review were undeniable. He emerged as the top scorer with 10 goals in the qualifying rounds for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Despite facing injury setbacks this season with Napoli, scoring six goals in 10 games, Monday’s award stands as a testament to Osimhen’s immense talent and dedication. The Nigerian marksman has undoubtedly cemented his position as one of the most exciting and impactful players in the world today.
Meanwhile, Asisat Oshoala, Super Falcon striker, has also been crowned 2023 CAF Women’s ‘Player of the Year.’
The 29-year-old was announced the winner of the gong in the gala held in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Monday.
The triumph is Oshoala’s sixth time winning the award, pulling clear as the footballer with the most wins.
Oshoala had been adjudged the best African female football in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022.
Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie also won the women’s goalkeeper of the year prize.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria were also named the women’s best national team on the continent.
The Nigerian duo of Michelle Alozie and Tosin Demehin made the CAF women’s best XI.
However, Deborah Abiodun was beaten to the women’s best young player prize by Nesryne El Chad of Morroco.