Super Eagles of Nigeria and Napoli super striker Victor Osimhen has been named the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year following his heroics for his country and club, solidifying his status as one of the brightest stars in African football.
Nigeria’s top marksman claimed CAF’s prestigious prize at Monday’s Awards Gala in Marrakech, Morocco after his exceptional performances throughout the year. He spearheaded Napoli’s Scudetto charge with his electrifying pace, exceptional finishing, and aerial prowess, establishing himself as one of Serie A’s most potent attackers.
Osimhen saw off challenges from Morocco full-back Achraf Hakimi and Egypt striker Mohammed Salah to land African football’s biggest men’s individual prize.
The Nigerian Prince becomes King!
Victor Osimhen is the 2023 Men’s Player of the Year!
! #CAFAwards2023 | @victorosimhen9 pic.twitter.com/WFVUBaqWkx
— CAF (@CAF_Online) December 11, 2023
The Italy-based striker scored 27 goals across all fronts as the Napoli lit up Italian football. In doing so, the 24-year-old became the first Napoli player to finish top scorer in Italian football, since Diego Maradona in 1987/1988.
His impact on the international stage has been equally impressive. He fired the Super Eagles of Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with 10 goals to finish as the top scorer of the qualifiers.
Osimhen is now the first Nigerian winner of the men’s award since Kanu Nwankwo in 1999 after another prolific campaign.
His goals propelled Napoli to their first Serie A crown since the days of Maradona, a triumph few predicted last summer.
The Nigerian also featured in CAF’s Best XI (Men).
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2️⃣✖Here are this year’s BEST XI (MEN)! #CAFAwards2023 | @FIFPRO | @FIFProAfrica pic.twitter.com/Ri8Es57ehE
— CAF (@CAF_Online) December 11, 2023
