Nigeria’s football talents, Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala, have been included in the final three-man shortlist for the prestigious CAF Player of the Year awards.
Osimhen, recognized for his exceptional performance, will compete against Egypt’s Mohammed Salah, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez for the coveted men’s category.
Osimhen’s remarkable achievements include finishing as the top scorer during the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Additionally, his contributions played a vital role in Napoli’s Scudetto triumph last season, where he clinched the Golden Boot with an outstanding tally of 26 goals.
As for Oshoala, the reigning African women’s player of the year, she joins South Africa’s Thembi Klagtlana and Zambia’s Barbara Banda as finalists in the women’s category. Oshoala’s impressive scoring record of 21 goals in just 28 games propelled FC Barcelona to claim the 2022/23 Spanish League title. Furthermore, she emerged as Barcelona’s top scorer across all competitions with an impressive total of 27 goals. Oshoala’s instrumental contributions were instrumental in Barcelona’s successful retention of their domestic title and their triumph in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Notably, Oshoala also made history during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. She became the first Nigerian and the first female African player to score at three different editions of the prestigious tournament.
The highly anticipated award ceremony will take place on December 11, 2023, in Marrakech, Morocco. It will bring together the football community to celebrate the excellence, skill, and dedication displayed by these exceptional athletes.
The inclusion of Osimhen and Oshoala in the final three-man shortlist for the CAF Player of the Year awards reflects the significant impact they have had on the football scene, both domestically and internationally. Their exceptional performances and consistent contributions to their respective clubs and national teams have earned them well-deserved recognition.
Osimhen’s stellar goal-scoring record in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, coupled with his instrumental role in Napoli’s Scudetto victory, showcases his ability to excel on both the international and club stages. His 26-goal tally not only secured him the Golden Boot but also established him as the highest-scoring African player in Serie A, a notable achievement.
On the women’s side, Oshoala’s outstanding achievements have been remarkable. Her remarkable goal-scoring prowess played a critical role in leading FC Barcelona to clinch the Spanish League title and emerge victorious in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. With 21 goals in just 28 games, Oshoala’s impact on Barcelona’s success cannot be overstated. Additionally, her accolade as the first Nigerian and female African player to score at three different FIFA Women’s World Cup editions demonstrates her consistency and ability to shine on the global stage.
The upcoming award ceremony, set to be held in Marrakech, Morocco, not only signifies a celebration of the achievements of Osimhen and Oshoala but also recognizes the immense talent and competitive spirit present in African football. It will be a moment of anticipation and excitement as the winner in each category is announced, highlighting the exceptional contributions of these athletes to the beautiful game.