In a remarkable feat for Nigerian football, Victor Osimhen has been honored with the 2023 African Footballer of the Year title at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) gala in Marrakesh. This achievement marks the first time since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 that a Nigerian has secured this accolade. Osimhen, a standout performer for Napoli, surpassed Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi to win the award.
Nigeria celebrated a double victory as Asisat Oshoala preserved her title as the women’s player of the year, her sixth time receiving this honor, showcasing her dominance in the sport.
The award recipients were selected by a distinguished panel including Caf’s technical committee, prominent African media figures, and national team captains and coaches. Additionally, clubs participating in the group stages of Caf’s continental competitions played a role in the voting process.
Victor Osimhen’s Stellar Season
At 24, Osimhen has made a significant mark in the football world, especially with his extraordinary performance in the 2022/23 season for Napoli. His contribution of 26 goals in 32 matches was pivotal in Napoli clinching the Serie A title for the first time since 1990. His crucial goal in May sealed the Scudetto victory.
His achievements extended beyond the Italian league, with Osimhen being recognized as the Italian footballers’ association’s player of the year. His exceptional performance in Serie A saw him finish as the top scorer. Osimhen’s impact was also felt internationally, scoring five goals in four Afcon qualification matches, propelling Nigeria to the finals next year.
Osimhen’s accomplishments also include being the first Nigerian to rank in the top 10 for the Ballon d’Or, finishing eighth. Back in Nigeria, he was honored as a Member of the Federal Republic.
Asisat Oshoala’s Continued Dominance
Asisat Oshoala, at 29, made the evening even more memorable for Nigeria by securing her sixth women’s player of the year title. Her performance at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this year was noteworthy, adding to her already impressive career.
Additional Honors at the Caf Awards
The Caf awards night saw several other notable achievements:
- South African Desiree Ellis received her fourth Caf coach of the year award for leading Banyana Banyana to their inaugural World Cup appearance.
- Morocco’s Walid Regragui was named the men’s coach of the year, a testament to the national team’s success, especially their historic run at Qatar 2022, where they became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final.
- Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was awarded the men’s goalkeeper of the year.
- Nigeria’s Super Falcons were recognized as the women’s national team of the year, with Paris FC’s Chiamaka Nnadozie winning the women’s goalkeeper award.
- In club football, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa were named the women’s club of the Year, and Egyptian giants Al Ahly won the men’s club of the year.
The Caf awards ceremony in Marrakesh was a glittering event, also unveiling the men’s and women’s Best XI line-ups voted by Africa’s players. Additionally, Senegal’s President Macky Sall received the inaugural special achievement award.
2023 Caf Awards Winners at a Glance:
- Player of the Year (Men): Victor Osimhen (Napoli & Nigeria)
- Player of the Year (Women): Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona & Nigeria)
- Coach of the Year (Men): Walid Regragui (Morocco)
- Coach of the Year (Women): Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
- National Team of the Year (Men): Morocco
- National Team of the Year (Women): Nigeria
- Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal & Morocco)
- Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC & Nigeria)
- Young Player of the Year (Women): Nesryne El Chad (Lille & Morocco)
- Young Player of the Year (Men): Lamine Camara (Metz & Senegal)
- Club of the Year (Women): Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
- Club of the Year (Men): Al Ahly (Egypt)
- Interclub Player of the Year (Women): Fatima Tagnaout (AS FAR & Morocco)
- Interclub Player of the Year (Men): Percy Tau (Al Ahly & South Africa)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about African Footballer of the Year 2023
Who won the 2023 African Footballer of the Year awards?
Nigerian football stars Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala won the 2023 African Footballer of the Year awards. Osimhen was recognized for his outstanding season with Napoli, while Oshoala was honored for her achievements with Barcelona.
What achievements led to Victor Osimhen winning the award?
Victor Osimhen’s exceptional performance in the 2022/23 season with Napoli, including scoring 26 goals in 32 appearances and helping the club win Serie A for the first time since 1990, contributed significantly to him winning the award.
How many times has Asisat Oshoala won the African Footballer of the Year?
Asisat Oshoala has won the African Footballer of the Year award six times, showcasing her consistent excellence and dominance in women’s football.
What other recognitions were given at the 2023 Caf awards?
Additional recognitions at the 2023 Caf awards included coaches of the year for men and women, national teams of the year, goalkeepers of the year, young players of the year, and clubs of the year for both men and women.
What makes the 2023 African Footballer of the Year awards significant for Nigeria?
The 2023 African Footballer of the Year awards are significant for Nigeria as both the men’s and women’s titles were won by Nigerian players, Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala, marking a remarkable achievement for the country in the world of football.
More about African Footballer of the Year 2023
- Confederation of African Football (CAF) Official Website
- Napoli Football Club Achievements
- Barcelona Women’s Football Team
- Victor Osimhen Player Profile
- Asisat Oshoala Player Achievements
- FIFA World Cup Highlights
- Serie A Italian Football League
- African Women’s Champions League
- Al Ahly Football Club History
5 comments
Asisat is a true queen, sixth time winning! Barcelona’s women’s team is just on another level, pure talent
interesting to see the mix of players and nations in the awards, African football’s really heating up, Morocco’s coach and Egypt’s Al Ahly too, well deserved
Osimhen’s performance this season was just mindblowing, Napoli must be over the moon, they havent won since 1990 right??
wow, Nigeria’s really killin it in football this year! Osimhen and Oshoala are like unstoppable forces, crazy good
I’m always amazed by these awards, the talent, the dedication, it’s all so inspiring, Nigeria’s definitely setting the bar high this year!