- Victor Osimhen was named as the winner of the 2023 CAF African Player of the Year award, following an exceptional season for club and country.
- The Super Eagles striker becomes the first Nigerian to win the continent's most prestigious individual honour in 24 years, following in the footsteps of countryman Nwankwo Kanu who last won it in 1999.
Osimhen beats Paris Saint Germain defender, Achraf Hakimi, and Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah, to the award.
The Napoli ace adds the African Player of the Year award to the Serie A Footballer of the Year and Serie A Best Striker awards he already claimed, after his goals powered Napoli to a first Scudetto title in 33 years, in 2023.
Aside from Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, and Chiamaka Nnadozie were the other Nigerians who shone bright at the CAF awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday night.
Oshoala won the CAF Women's Player of the Year award following her exploits with FC Barcelona Femeni and the Super Falcons as well.
The 29-year old won the UEFA Women's Champions League with Barcelona and helped Nigeria to the knockout rounds of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
It is the sixth time that Oshoala will be named Africa's Best - the most any player, man or woman, has ever managed.
Chiamaka Nnadozie was also awarded the 2023 Women's Goalkeepr of the Year honour, following her excellent performances at the Women's World Cup, and after she helped Paris FC Feminines reach the group stages of the 23/24 UEFA Women's Champions League.
While Deborah Abiodun missed out on the Young Women's Player of the Year award, the Super Falcons were named as the African Women's National Team of the Year.
What did you think of the awards ? Any surprises ?
