Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen secured the prestigious 2023 African Footballer of the Year award, triumphing over strong contenders Achraf Hakimi of Morocco and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah.
Osimhen, a pivotal player for Napoli, clinched the honor after an exceptional year that saw him break records in Serie A as the top scorer with an impressive tally of 26 goals.
This historic achievement marks the end of Nigeria’s 24-year wait for the accolade, last won by Kanu Nwankwo in 1999.
Expressing gratitude, Osimhen thanked coach Emmanuel Amunike and acknowledged the unwavering support from fans and African legends, including a special mention of Didier Drogba.
The striker’s remarkable season also earned him the ninth spot in the 2023 Ballon d’Or, solidifying his position as the highest-ranked African player in the award’s history.
Despite Nigeria’s World Cup miss, Osimhen’s stellar performance, including being the top scorer in AFCON qualification with an impressive 10 goals, further cements his status as one of Africa’s football elite.
Osimhen’s impact extended beyond club football, as he played a pivotal role in Napoli’s unprecedented Serie A title run, breaking George Weah’s record as the highest-scoring African player in the Italian top flight.
His contributions were recognized with inclusion in the Serie A Team of the Year and the Best Striker prize for the 2022/23 campaign.
In addition to his international success, Osimhen was crowned the Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Year, becoming the first African to receive the AIC award earlier in the month.
Despite facing injury setbacks in the current season for Napoli, where he scored six goals in 10 games under Walter Mazzari, Monday’s African Footballer of the Year award stands as the crowning point of a hugely successful year for the Nigerian marksman.
