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Nigerians recorded a remarkable feat in Marakech, Morocco at the CAF Awards 2023 as Victor Osimhen @victorosimhen9 and Asisat Oshoala @asisat_oshoala won the Men’s and Women’s African Player of the year awards respectively.
This is a record breaking moment for the Giants of Africa, as the both players became the King and Queen in one night.
Osimhen, who was instrumental in helping Napoli end a 33-year wait for the Serie A title, saw a stiff challenge from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, won his first most coveted prize.
While accepting his award, a smiling Osimhen acknowledged Emmanuel Amunike, who coached him at the U-17 level. He said “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.”
“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.”
Oshoala won a record-breaking sixth African Women’s Player of the year award. She won the award in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022. In her acceptance speech, she said “this night, I would love to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of my journey from grassroots football to the national level to the club side. Because without you, my coaches, and my teammates, there will be no me.”
“Football is a team sport, it’s a team game and I urge all the federations in Africa to please come together, let’s work together and build our continent. Let’s make it the best in the world.”
The Nigerian winning streak was extended to Chiamaka Nnadozie @nnadozie_chiamaka the Super Falcons’s goalkeeper, as she secured the Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Also, the Super Falcons @ng_superfalcons were crowned Africa’s best national women’s team of the Year.
Three Nigerian players, Michelle Alozie, Ohale Osinachi and Asisat Oshoala were included in the esteemed Women’s Africa XI team. Osimhen also made the Men’s Africa XI team.
The host country, Morocco, had a noteworthy night, winning in five categories, including the Interclub Player of the Year (Women) by Fatima Tagnaout. Morocco’s Walid Regragui also bagged the Coach of the Year (Men).
Morocco’s Yasmine Bounou won the Goalkeeper of the Year (Men). Young Player of the Year (Women) went to Morocco’s Nesryne El Chad.
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