Our Reporter, Abuja
Nigeria and Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen has emerged CAF best male player of the year 2023.
Asisat Oshoala, Super Falcons captain and Barcelona feminine forward won the CAF female player of the year for the sixth time.
Both strikers were crowned on Monday in a CAF event held at the Moroccan beautiful city of Marrakesh.
Osimhen saw off the competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah to win the coveted trophy for the first time to crown the end of a glorious year.
Former Super Eagles captain, Kanu Nwankwo, was the last Nigerian to win the award 24 years ago.
An elated Osimhen paid glowing tribute to Nigerian former striker, Emmanuel Amunike, himself a former African Player of the Year, who coached him at the Nigerian under 17 level.
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,” he 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.”
On her part Asisat Oshoala won the continental prestigious award for a record six times.
Oshoala had been adjudged the best African female football in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022.
To cap a brilliant night for Nigeria, Chiamaka Nnadozie also won the women’s goalkeeper of the year prize.
Nigeria’s female national team, the Super Falcons, were also named the women’s best national team on the continent.
The Nigerian duo of Michelle Alozie and Tosin Demehin made the CAF women’s best XI.
