On a momentous occasion at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards ceremony in Marrakesh, Victor Osimhen of Nigeria clinched the prestigious title of 2023 African Footballer of the Year.
The Napoli player’s triumph marked a historic milestone, being the first time a Nigerian has secured this honour since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
Osimhen outshone formidable competitors, namely Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, to claim the coveted award.
Nigeria celebrated a double victory as Asisat Oshoala, the accomplished Barcelona star, retained the women’s award. This marked Oshoala’s sixth time securing this esteemed accolade.
The selection process involved a comprehensive voting system, with a panel comprising Caf’s technical committee, African media professionals, and the input of head coaches, captains, and clubs participating in the group stages of Caf’s continental competitions.
The awards not only reflect individual excellence but also serve as a testament to the footballing prowess emanating from the vibrant African football landscape.
Osimhen triumph
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, aged 24, has secured the highly coveted Caf award for the first time in his career, capping off a stellar 2022–23 season.
His exceptional performance included scoring 26 goals in 32 appearances, a feat highlighted by the decisive goal that clinched Napoli’s Scudetto in May, marking their first Serie A title in 33 years.
The former Wolfsburg and Lille striker’s outstanding contributions were further recognized when he was named the Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Year earlier this month.
Born in Lagos, Osimhen not only excelled on the domestic front but also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification, netting five goals in four matches.
His football prowess was globally acknowledged with an eighth-place finish in the Ballon d’Or, making him the first Nigerian to secure a top-10 position.
Additionally, Osimhen received the prestigious title of Member of the Federal Republic in his homeland, further solidifying his status as a football luminary.
Asisat became the first Nigerian footballer, male or female, to score in three World Cups
Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala, 29, made it a night to remember for Nigeria, winning the women’s player of the year title for a record-extending sixth time.
Oshoala – who went to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this year, retains the trophy she won last year.
She beat off competition from South Africa and Racing Louisville’s Thembi Kgatlana, Zambia and Shanghai Sengli’s Barbra Banda to lift the trophy.
World Cup recognition
In a splendid evening in Marrakesh, South Africa’s Desiree Ellis claimed her fourth CAF Coach of the Year award, a recognition earned by steering Banyana Banyana to their inaugural World Cup appearance.
The men’s accolade was bestowed upon Morocco’s Walid Regragui, highlighting a triumphant night for the Atlas Lions, named the National Men’s Team of the Year.
Morocco’s historic performance in Qatar 2022, where they reached the World Cup semi-finals as the first African team to do so, contributed to Yassine Bounou being honoured as the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured the Women’s National Team of the Year title, accompanied by Paris FC star Chiamaka Nnadozie, who claimed the Women’s Goalkeeper Award.
Mamelodi Sundowns, representing South Africa, received the Women’s Club of the Year award for their triumph in the African Women’s Champions League for the second time.
Meanwhile, Egyptian giants Al Ahly, securing their 11th Champions League title in 2023, were recognised as the Men’s Club of the Year.
In a prestigious moment, Caf unveiled the players voted into the Men’s and Women’s Best XI line-ups by Africa’s football stars. The glittering night in Marrakesh also featured the presentation of the inaugural Special Achievement Award to Senegal President Macky Sall.