It was a historic night for Nigerian football at the CAF Awards 2023 in Marrakech as Nigerian Striker Victor Osimhen earned his inaugural CAF African Player of the Year award together with his country woman, Asisat Oshoala claiming the most prestigious individual honors.
Osimhen's exceptional goal-scoring prowess played a pivotal role in Napoli's triumph in the Serie A last season, securing their first league title in over three decades. Fending off competition from renowned players like Morocco's Achraf Hakimi and Egypt's Mohamed Salah, Osimhen emerged victorious at the CAF awards ceremony in Marrakech.
The 24-year-old had a phenomenal year, not only leading Napoli to Serie A glory but also making significant contributions to Nigeria's success in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Osimhen finished as the top scorer in the qualifiers, netting 10 crucial goals.
Osimhen has bagged an impressive total of 27 goals across all competitions. This achievement made him the first Napoli player since the legendary Diego Maradona in 1987/88 to clinch the top scorer title in Italian football.
He is now the first Nigerian player to receive this honor since Kanu Nwankwo won it in 1999. Osimen has broken a 24 year old jinx to clinch the title.
Oshoala, an icon in Nigerian women's football, added another feather by securing an unprecedented sixth CAF African Women’s Player of the Year Award. The remarkable player with equaly remarkable achievements guided Barcelona to Champions League triumph, where she emerged as the top scorer with 27 goals across all competitions.
Super Falcons Team of the Year and Goal Keeper of the Year
The Nigerian Women’s National Team, popularly known as the Super Falcons, clinched the esteemed National Team of the Year (Women) at the awards held on Monday night. This recognition comes as a testament to their outstanding performance and significant milestones at the global stage.
The Super Falcons made history by being one of the three African nations that reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 in the previous year's global showcase, alongside Morocco and South Africa. This notable accomplishment showcased their prowess and resilience on the international football scene.
With the recent accolade, the Super Falcons have now secured the National Team of the Year award in the women’s category for the fifth time, solidifying their position as the most decorated women's national team in this category beating Morocco and South Africa for the prestigious title.
For her goalkeeping prowess, Nigerian shot-stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie etched her name in history by securing the inaugural CAF Women's Goalkeeper of the Year award on Monday night.
The captain of Paris FC triumphed over notable contenders Khadija Er-Rmichi of Morocco and Andile Dlamini of South Africa, claiming the groundbreaking prize at the glittering CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech.
Nnadozie's remarkable achievements during this year's Women's World Cup showcased her exceptional skills, earning her a player-of-the-match accolade for her standout performance against Canada in Nigeria's opening match. Her heroic efforts included a crucial penalty save and a series of gravity-defying stops that left spectators in awe throughout the tournament.
Beyond her international success, the 25-year-old goalkeeper played a pivotal role in Paris FC's triumphs this season, contributing to six clean sheets as the team secured their maiden Women's Champions League qualification.
Other Awards of the Night
Other notable recognitions of the night included Walid Regragui, the coach of Morocco, who claimed the title of CAF's Best Coach of the Year in the Men's category for leading the Atlas Lions to a historic World Cup semi-final run in Qatar.
South Africa's Desiree Ellis earned the Best Coach award in the women's category for her exceptional work with Banyana Banyana, marking her fourth consecutive win since 2018.
In the CAF InterClub category, Percy Tau from South Africa and Al Ahly was named the CAF InterClub Player of the Year. Lamine Camara, the 19-year-old FC Metz forward from Senegal, was honored as the CAF Young Player of the Year, reflecting his rapid ascent in African football.
Moroccan prodigy Nesryne El Chad received the inaugural CAF Women's Young Player of the Year award. Morocco also took home the national team accolades in the Men’s National Team category for their performance at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and Nigeria claimed the Women’s National Team of the Year award.
Club honors saw Egyptian giants Al Ahly securing the Male Club of the Year award, while the women’s counterpart was bestowed upon South African side Mamelodi Sundowns. The night also featured South African dominance in the continent’s Best XI players in the Women Category. Two members of Morocco’s World Cup semi-final team made in the male cut.
The reigning African club champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, again emerged as the premier football club on the continent at the CAF Awards 2023, thier second consecutive year of claiming this prestigious title.
Throughout the period spanning from December 2022 to November 2023, Mamelodi Sundowns showcased an unparalleled level of dominance, solidifying their position as the best in Africa.
The two-time African champions clinched a remarkable total of three titles during this period, including the CAF Women’s Champions League. They also secured the COSAFA Women’s Champions League title, and the domestic league champions in South Africa.
The award winners were determined through a rigorous voting process involving a panel comprising the CAF Technical Committee, Head Coaches, National Team captains, and media professionals.
Full List of Award Winners:
Player of the Year (Men): Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli)
Player of the Year (Women): Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)
Interclub Player of the Year (Men): Percy Tau (South Africa, Al Ahly)
Interclub Player of the Year (Women): Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)
Coach of the Year (Men): Walid Regragui (Morocco)
Coach of the Year (Women): Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal)
Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)
Young Player of the Year (Men): Lamine Camara (Senegal, Metz)
Young Player of the Year (Women): Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)
National Team of the Year (Men): Morocco
National Team of the Year (Women): Nigeria
Club of the Year (Men): Al Ahly (Egypt)
Club of the Year (Women): Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
By Moses Nicholas/other sources
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