Victor Osimhen wins African footballer of the year award
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has been crowned the 2023 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) awards ceremony in Marrakesh.
The Napoli player beat Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi to the prestigious award – the first time a Nigerian has picked up the title since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
Nigeria enjoyed double success with Asisat Oshoala retaining the women’s award – the sixth time the Barcelona star has won the accolade.
The winners are voted for by a panel consisting of Caf’s technical committee plus African media professionals, head coaches and captains. Clubs involved in the group stages of Caf’s continental competitions also have a say.
Osimhen hailed the impact of Nigerian legend Emmanuel Amuneke, who coached him at the U-17 level, as well as fans from the country among others.
“First of all, I want to say thank you to God for everything. Special thanks go to Mr. Emmanuel Amunike; without him, I don’t think I would be standing in front of you guys holding one of the most prestigious awards in world football,” the 24-year-old said.
“It’s a dream come true for me. I want to thank everyone who has seen me through life’s journey. In achieving my dreams, in achieving my goals.
“I appreciate Nigerians for their support; I appreciate Africa for putting me on the map, for encouraging me, and for defending me regardless of my shortcomings.
“I also thank Emmanuel Adebayo for his encouragement. Solomon Kalu, I appreciate you. And every African legend that I have looked up to while growing up has inspired me. Didier Drogba, my role model, thank you so much. God bless you all.”
Osimhen was tipped to pick up the prestigious Caf award for the first time in his career after a stellar 2022-23 season with Napoli.
He scored 26 times in 32 appearances as his club won Italy’s Serie A for the first time since 1990, including the decisive goal to seal the Scudetto in May.
The former Wolfsburg and Lille striker was also named the Italian footballers’ association player of the year earlier this month after an outstanding season.
Osimhen scored five goals in four Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification matches as Nigeria qualified for the 2023 Afcon, which begins next month.
He also became the first Nigerian to finish in the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or vote with an eighth-placed finish and was made a Member of the Federal Republic.
2023 Caf awards winners:
Player of the Year (men): Victor Osimhen (Napoli & Nigeria)
Player of the Year (women): Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona & Nigeria)
Coach of the Year (men): Walid Regragui (Morocco)
Coach of the Year (women): Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
National Team of the Year (men): Morocco
National Team of the Year (women): Nigeria
Goalkeeper of the Year (men): Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal & Morocco)
Goalkeeper of the Year (women): Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC & Nigeria)
Young Player of the Year (women): Nesryne El Chad (Lille & Morocco)
Young Player of the Year (men): Lamine Camara (Metz & Senegal)
Club of the Year (women): Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Club of the Year (men): Al Ahly (Egypt)
Interclub Player of the Year (women): Fatima Tagnaout (AS FAR & Morocco)
Interclub Player of the Year (men): Percy Tau (Al Ahly & South Africa)
