Our reporter/ Victor Osimhen was on Monday night crowned the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, enhancing his status as one of the best players in the world.
Oshimhen was crowned in the Moroccan city of Marakesh, thus ending Nigeria’s 24-year-old wait for Africa’s top individual prize.
Kanu Nwankwo was the last Nigerian to win the award and that was in 1999.
The prize is a recognition of Osimhen’s exploits for his Napoli club side and the national team where he is a key member.
He spearheaded the Italian team’s unprecedented Serie A title run, scoring 26 goals in the league to become the first African to win the Pichichi (top scorer) award. His contribution broke George Weah’s record as the highest-scoring player from the continent in the Italian top flight.
Napoli last won the Scudetto 33 years ago during the legendary Diego Maradona’s era. For the 2022/23 campaign, the former Lille striker’s impeccable form saw him included in the Serie A Team of the Year as he also clinched the Best Striker prize.
Osimhen’s ranking in the 2023 Ballon d’Or was a testament to his contributions to the Serie A team’s epochal showing. He was ninth, becoming the highest-ranked African for the year and the most-ranked Nigerian in the history of the award.
Earlier in the month, the Nigerian was crowned as Italian footballers’ association player of the Year, the first African to win the AIC award.
Oshoala wins record-extending African Women’s Player of the year
Also on Monday night, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala was crowned the illustrious African Women’s Player of the Year for a record-extending fifth time.
The Barcelona star was crowned as the winner of the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of the Year to earn the feat.
Nnadozie crowned 2023 CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the year
Chiamaka Nnadozie was also crowned the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2023.
She beat fellow goalkeepers in the form of Moroccan shot-stopper Khadija El-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Olaminii
She showed her heroics in the Women’s World Cup match against Olympic champions Canada, making three saves, including stopping a 50th-minute penalty from Christine Sinclair.
Her performances in the game secured a goalless draw for the Super Falcons, earned her a Player of the Match award and garnered international attention.
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 organisers 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”
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