By Sabiu Abdullahi
The 24-year-old Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, has secured the coveted CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year award.
Osimhen’s stellar performance in the 2022–2023 football season, particularly with Napoli in the Serie A, played a pivotal role in this triumph.
Osimhen faced stiff competition from top-tier players like Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, Sadio Mane of Senegal, and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah. Standing tall at 1.85m, the Nigerian striker’s outstanding achievements mark the end of a 24-year wait for Nigeria since Kanu Nwankwo last received the honour in 1999.
During the 2022–2023 football season, Osimhen’s thunderous form propelled Napoli to their third Scudetto in 33 years, following the era of legendary Diego Maradona.
His remarkable feat of scoring 26 goals in the league not only contributed to Napoli’s success but also made him the first African to claim the top scorer award in the domestic Serie A league.
Osimhen’s accolades continued to accumulate as he clinched the Italian league’s best striker prize and secured a spot in the Serie A Team of the Year.
Breaking George Weah’s record as the highest-scoring African player in the Italian league, Osimhen further solidified his status by winning the AIC award, the Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Year, in December.
Despite Nigeria’s early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Osimhen showcased his prowess by netting 10 goals in the tournament, including an impressive seven against São Tomé and Principe.
Since making his senior debut for the Super Eagles in June 2017, Osimhen has accumulated 20 goals in 27 appearances.
The pinnacle of Osimhen’s remarkable journey came on Monday in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, when he clinched the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year award.