A historic occasion that cemented Victor Osimhen’s place among the world’s greatest footballers saw him named the 2023 African Footballer of the Year.
Achraf Hakimi of Morocco and Mohamed Salah, an Egyptian striker, were defeated by Osimhen.
The Super Eagles forward, whose incredible performance in the royal Moroccan city of Marakesh put an end to Nigeria’s 24-year wait for Africa’s top individual honour, had a fantastic year culminating with this trophy on Monday. The last Nigerian to receive the honour was the illustrious Kanu Nwankwo, who did so in 1999.
At the function, Osimhen grinned and praised the influence of Nigerian icon Emmanuel Amuneke, who coached him while he was a U-17 player, as well as national supporters.
“Let me start by giving thanks to God for everything. I don’t think I would be standing in front of you guys carrying one of the most important medals in international football without Mr. Emmanuel Amunike, so a special gratitude goes out to him,” he said to the assembled elite of African football and beyond.
It’s the realisation of my dream. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me along the way in life. In realising my aspirations and objectives.
“I’m grateful for Nigerians’ support; I’m grateful for Africa’s encouragement, for making me famous, and for standing up for me in spite of my flaws.
I also appreciate Emmanuel Adebayo’s support. Solomon Kalu, you have my gratitude. Additionally, I have been influenced by every African legend I have ever looked up to. Thank you so much, Didier Drogba, my hero. Godspeed to you all.
The award recognises Osimhen’s achievements for both his Napoli club team and the national team, of which he is an important member. He became the first African to win the league’s top scorer award with 26 goals, leading the Italian team’s historic march to the Serie A championship. As the highest-scoring player from the continent in the Italian premier division, his contribution eclipsed that of George Weah.
When Napoli last won the Scudetto, it was under the great Diego Maradona. That was 33 years ago. The former Lille striker won the Best Striker award and was included to the Serie A Team of the Year for the 2022–2023 season due to his outstanding play.
Osimhen’s position in the Ballon d’Or for 2023 was evidence of his impact on the Serie A team’s historic performance. As the ninth-ranked African of the year and the highest-ranked Nigerian in the award’s history, he made history.
The Nigerian, who became the first African to win the AIC honour, was named Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Year earlier this month.
Osimhen made incredible contributions to the Super Eagles in the year under review, despite Nigeria’s heartbreaking loss to longtime rivals Ghana in the World Cup. With ten goals, he led the scorers in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign.
With just six goals in 10 games for Walter Mazzari’s team this season due to injury, the Nigerian striker’s tremendously successful year comes to a close with Monday’s prize.
