In an outstanding display of football prowess, Nigerian stars Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala have triumphed at the 2023 African Footballer of the Year awards, held in Marrakesh.
Napoli’s striking sensation, Victor Osimhen, clinched the men’s award, marking a monumental achievement for Nigeria as he becomes the first Nigerian since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 to win this honor. Osimhen surpassed other top contenders, including Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
Osimhen, 24, had an exceptional 2022-23 season with Napoli, contributing significantly to their Serie A win and their progress to the Uefa Champions League quarter-finals. His phenomenal performance, encompassing 26 goals in 32 games, played a pivotal role in Napoli securing their first Serie A title in over three decades.
This recognition comes on the heels of Osimhen being named the Italian footballers’ association player of the year. His achievements also include scoring five goals in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers, leading Nigeria to the finals, and earning an eighth place in the Ballon d’Or voting – a first for a Nigerian. His contributions were further acknowledged in his homeland with the title of Member of the Federal Republic.
In a similar vein, Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala made history by winning the women’s player of the year award for a record sixth time. Oshoala, 29, continued her impressive form at the World Cup and successfully defended her title from the previous year. She triumphed over South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Zambia’s Barbra Banda.
The awards ceremony also celebrated other African football talents. South Africa’s Desiree Ellis received her fourth Caf coach of the year award, while the men’s coaching award was bestowed upon Morocco’s Walid Regragui. Morocco’s national team and Nigeria’s Super Falcons were honored as the men’s and women’s national teams of the year, respectively.
In the goalkeeper category, Morocco’s Yassine Bounou and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie were recognized for their exceptional skills.
The club awards saw Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa and Egypt’s Al Ahly being named the women’s and men’s clubs of the year, respectively, for their achievements in continental competitions.
Caf’s glittering event in Marrakesh also unveiled the Best XI line-ups for both men and women, as voted by Africa’s players, and acknowledged Senegal President Macky Sall with the inaugural special achievement award.
The full list of 2023 Caf award winners is a testament to the diverse and growing talent in African football.
Men’s Player of the Year: Victor Osimhen (Napoli & Nigeria)
Women’s Player of the Year: Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona & Nigeria)
Men’s Coach of the Year: Walid Regragui (Morocco)
Women’s Coach of the Year: Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
Men’s National Team of the Year: Morocco
Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal & Morocco)
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC & Nigeria)
Young Players of the Year: Nesryne El Chad (Lille & Morocco, women) and Lamine Camara (Metz & Senegal, men)
Clubs of the Year: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa, women) and Al Ahly (Egypt, men)
Interclub Players of the Year: Fatima Tagnaout (AS FAR & Morocco, women) and Percy Tau (Al Ahly & South Africa, men)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about African Footballer of the Year 2023
Who won the 2023 African Footballer of the Year awards?
Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala, both from Nigeria, won the 2023 African Footballer of the Year awards. Osimhen was awarded the men’s title, and Oshoala received the women’s title.
Which clubs do the 2023 African Footballer of the Year winners play for?
Victor Osimhen plays for Napoli, and Asisat Oshoala represents Barcelona. Both players had outstanding performances with their respective clubs, contributing to their receiving the prestigious awards.
How many times has Asisat Oshoala won the African Footballer of the Year award?
As of 2023, Asisat Oshoala has won the African Footballer of the Year award six times, setting a record for the most wins in this category.
What achievements led to Victor Osimhen winning the 2023 African Footballer of the Year award?
Victor Osimhen’s involvement in 31 goals during Napoli’s Serie A-winning campaign and their progress to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals were significant factors in him winning the 2023 African Footballer of the Year award.
Who were the other notable winners at the 2023 CAF awards?
Other notable winners at the 2023 Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards included Walid Regragui and Desiree Ellis, who won the men’s and women’s Coach of the Year awards, respectively. Morocco and Nigeria were named the men’s and women’s National Team of the Year.
More about African Footballer of the Year 2023
- 2023 African Footballer of the Year Awards (BBC Sport)
- Victor Osimhen’s Profile (Transfermarkt)
- Asisat Oshoala’s Profile (FC Barcelona Official Website)
- Previous Winners of African Footballer of the Year (Wikipedia)
- Napoli’s Serie A Win (The Guardian)
- 2023 CAF Awards Winners (BBC Sport)
4 comments
Check out their profiles at transfermarkt and FC barca!
Napoli’s Serie A win – been waitin’ for this!
Asisat Oshoala – 6 times winner?! Amazin’, she’s a legend!
CAF awards – always bringin’ some surprises, love it!