Nigerian nominees for the various categories of the 2023 Confederation of African Football Awards are anticipated to commence their arrivals in Marrakech, Morocco, today, December 10.
Among the nominees is Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, who is in contention for the CAF Player of the Year alongside Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
Osimhen, aged 24, has showcased outstanding performances for Napoli over the past year, contributing significantly to the team’s first league title in 33 years. During the last Serie A season, he played 32 games, scoring an impressive 31 goals, with 26 of those being league-high goals.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
Recognizing his exceptional achievements in Italy, Osimhen received accolades such as Serie A Best Striker, Paolo Rossi Award winner, and Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Year. He also secured the eighth spot on the recent Ballon d’Or shortlist and is a nominee for the Globe Soccer award.
Moreover, Osimhen concluded the 2023 AFCON qualification as the top scorer with ten goals, aiding the Super Eagles in securing the top position in their group and smoothly qualifying for the tournament.
As the 2023 AFCON approaches in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, the 24-year-old Napoli striker is expected to maintain his stellar performance on the continent.
The CAF Player of the Year award ceremony, scheduled for December 11, could see Osimhen succeed Sadio Mane, the current title holder. If Osimhen clinches the award, he will be the first Nigerian player to do so since Nwankwo Kanu achieved the feat in 1999, with Kanu being the only Nigerian to win the award twice.
In addition to individual honors, the Super Falcons national team is in the running for the Best National Team of the Year in the 2023 edition of the awards. Notable Nigerian personalities like Asisat Oshoala, Deborah Abiodun, and Chiamaka Nnadozie are also among the nominees for various categories in the CAF awards.