By: Nana Kwame Bediako
Nigeria and Napoli star Victor Osimhen has been named 2023 CAF African Footballer of the Year, weeks after winning the Italian footballers’ association player of the year for his outstanding performance with his club side, leading them to win the Scudetto for the first time in three decades.
Osimhen, who finished 8th in this year’s Ballon d’Or ranking, making him the best African player of the year 2023, beat Paris Saint-Germain’s Morocco right-back, Achraf Hakimi, and Liverpool’s Egypt winger, Mohamed Salah, to win the top award.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” Osimhen said.
“I appreciate Nigerians for their support. I appreciate Africa for putting me on the map, encouraging me, and defending me, regardless of my shortcomings,” the 24-year-old added.
The Nigerian played a key role in reviving Napoli’s haunt for a league trophy in over 33 years since the days of Diego Marodona. His 26 goals in 32 Serie A games gave Napoli a huge boost to clinch the league title.
He has also been beneficial this season, scoring six goals in 11 games despite injury problems. There have been some speculations around Osimhen’s future that link him to the English Premier League.
