Nigeria’s very own Victor Osimhen has once again raised our national pride as he secures a spot among the 30 nominees for the 2022-2023 men’s African Player of the Year award. Osimhen’s remarkable contributions to Napoli in the previous season make him a strong contender for the coveted title. He practically handed Napoli the Serie A victory with his prolific performance, finishing as the top scorer in Serie A with an impressive 26 goals. He also showcased his skills in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, netting a total of 10 goals, including a remarkable four goals in a single match.
Joining Osimhen on the list of nominees are stars from the historic Moroccan squad that reached the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar last December. This achievement marked a significant milestone for Africa, and the Moroccans who played a crucial role in this journey have rightfully earned their spots among the contenders. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, defender Achraf Hakimi, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, winger Hakim Ziyech, and forward Youssef en Nesyri are all in the running.
Sadio Mane of Senegal and Mohamed Salah of Egypt, both two-time winners of the award, are also formidable nominees, adding more intensity to the competition.
The list of nominees for the Coach of the Year award features figures like Walid Regragui, who took over the Moroccan team shortly before their World Cup journey, and led them to success. This category is a reflection of the exceptional coaching talent in African football.
The Club Player of the Year category includes standout players like Fiston Mayele from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who was the joint top scorer in both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup last season. These players have showcased their prowess on the club stage.
It’s important to note that the nominations were determined by CAF technical experts, African football legends, and media representatives across seven categories. While the nominees for the women’s awards are yet to be announced, the stage is set for a grand celebration.
The awards ceremony will take place in the vibrant Moroccan city of Marrakech on Monday, December 11. For Victor Osimhen, this could very well be his moment to shine and clinch the title, as his outstanding performance and contributions have certainly put him in the spotlight as a deserving contender for the African Player of the Year award.
