In a monumental triumph, Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala emerged as the standout African footballers of the year, delivering an unprecedented victory for Nigeria.
Victor Osimhen, the dynamic 24-year-old striker from Napoli, seized the spotlight as he claimed the African men’s Footballer of the Year title. With an awe-inspiring tally of 26 goals, Osimhen not only dominated the Serie A scoring charts but also played an instrumental role in Napoli’s historic Italian title victory after a 33-year drought.
The award cemented Osimhen’s status as the first Nigerian player to grasp this honor since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999. The stiff competition included Liverpool’s Salah and Paris Saint-Germain’s Moroccan wing-back, Achraf Hakimi.
Expressing his elation at the ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, Osimhen stated, “It is a dream come true. I have to thank everybody who has helped me on this journey and all Africans who have helped to put me on the map despite my faults.”
On the women’s front, Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala carved her name in history by securing the African Women’s Footballer of the Year accolade for an astonishing sixth time. Overcoming adversity and injury, Oshoala played a pivotal role in guiding Nigeria to the last 16 at the 2023 World Cup, with a standout performance in the group stage victory over Australia.
Her triumphs extended to winning the Women’s Champions League and the Spanish title with Barcelona. Oshoala outshone competitors Thembi Kgatlana and Barbra Banda to claim the award, which she previously won in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022.
More so, Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, was crowned the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2023. The Paris FC of France shot-stopper beat fellow goalkeepers in the form of Moroccan shot-stopper Khadija El-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Olaminii
The award is a reward for her heroics in the Women’s World Cup in Canada and Australia finishing the tournament with three clean sheets
The 23-year-old, in her acceptance speech, said, “I just want to use this great opportunity to say a very great thank you to the organizers and also for remembering the female goalkeeper this year.”
“I also want to say a very big thank you to the Nigerian football president for everything he has done in the Nigerian league and female football. I am a product of Nigerian female football.”
“Also, thank you to my club, Paris FC for all the encouragement, and thanks to everyone who voted for me and who nominated me.”
“And to all the young girls who grew up in Africa, dreaming of becoming footballers one day—believe me, dreams do come true.”
“My dad never wanted me to play, but I am sure he is going to see this tonight and he is going to be happy. Keep dreaming; keep working hard. Thank you”
The awards ceremony also recognized Morocco as the men’s team of the year, applauding their remarkable journey to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar last year. Manager Walid Regragui received the men’s coach of the year award for his exceptional leadership. Nigeria claimed the trophy for women’s team of the year, while South Africa’s Desiree Ellis secured the women’s coach award for an impressive fourth consecutive time.
These prestigious awards, determined by a panel comprising the Confederation of African Football (Caf) technical committee, African journalists and broadcasters, as well as head coaches and captains of national teams and leading African clubs, signify a momentous celebration of excellence in African football.
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