December 11, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has emerged as the winner of the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year award for 2023, becoming the first Nigerian player to achieve this feat since Kanu Nwankwo in 1999. Osimhen’s outstanding performances for Napoli in Serie A and his contributions to the Nigerian national team played a significant role in securing him this accolade.
Osimhen faced tough competition from other top African players, including Liverpool Egyptian forward, Mohamed Salah and Paris St-Germain Moroccan defender, Achraf Hakimi. However, his exceptional goal-scoring record and overall impact on the field set him apart from the rest. The 24-year-old striker showcased his skills by netting an impressive 31 goals in 39 matches across all competitions for Napoli last season.
Osimhen’s remarkable performances helped Napoli clinch the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years. The Nigerian forward’s achievements did not go unnoticed, as he also received a nomination for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, where he finished in the top 10, making him the first Nigerian player to achieve this milestone.
Osimhen’s ability to consistently find the back of the net and his contributions to his team’s success have firmly established him as one of the best strikers in Europe. This historic win for Osimhen marks a significant moment for Nigerian football, as it ends the country’s 23-year wait for a CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
His exceptional performances and goal-scoring abilities have not only brought glory to his club and country but have also raised the profile of Nigerian football on the international stage.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
