Victor Osimhen Clinches 2023 CAF Footballer Of The Year Award

In a historic moment for Nigerian football, Victor Osimhen has been crowned the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, bringing an end to Nigeria’s 24-year-long wait for the prestigious accolade. The announcement was made during a momentous event in the imperial Moroccan city of Marrakesh.

Osimhen, a key figure for both Napoli and the Super Eagles, outshone tough competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah to secure the coveted title. This achievement marks Osimhen as the first Nigerian to claim the prize since the legendary Kanu Nwankwo in 1999.

The Super Eagles forward had an exceptional year, playing a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph. His remarkable contribution included a staggering 26 goals in the league, earning him the Pichichi (top scorer) award and breaking George Weah’s long-standing record as the highest-scoring African player in the Italian top flight.

Osimhen’s exploits didn’t go unnoticed on the global stage, as reflected in his ninth-place ranking in the 2023 Ballon d’Or, making him the highest-ranked African and the most-ranked Nigerian in the award’s history. Earlier in the year, he was crowned the Italian footballers’ association player of the Year, becoming the first African to receive the AIC award.

Despite Nigeria’s heartbreaking absence from the 2022 World Cup, with the ticket slipping away to perennial rivals Ghana, Osimhen’s impact for the Super Eagles remained formidable. He emerged as the top scorer in the qualification race for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with an impressive tally of 10 goals.

While injuries have tempered his performance for Napoli this season, with six goals in 10 games, Monday’s CAF Footballer of the Year award stands as the pinnacle of Osimhen’s immensely successful year, solidifying his status as one of the world’s premier football talents.