Nigeria triumphs at 2023 CAF Football Awards, Osimhen, Oshoala make history

Posted : 12 December 2023

On a remarkable Monday night, Nigeria took center stage and asserted its dominance on the podium at the 2023 CAF Football Awards, held at the illustrious Hotel Movenpick in Marrakech, Morocco.

The spotlight shone brightly on Nigerian talents, with stars like Victor Osimhen from Napoli FC, Asisat Oshola, the prolific striker from Barcelona FC Feminine, and the formidable Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, all clinching prestigious awards in their respective categories.

The winning streak commenced with Chiamaka Nnadozie, who secured the title of "Goalkeeper of the Year" in the Women's category. Nnadozie's stellar performances, particularly during the Women's FIFA World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand, played a pivotal role in guiding the Super Falcons to the Round of 16. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, the Paris FC goalkeeper dedicated the award to underprivileged children, inspiring young girls across Africa to pursue their football dreams.

“To all the young girls growing up in Africa, dreaming of becoming a footballer one day, believe me dreams do come true.

“My dad didn’t want me to play football but I’m sure he’s gonna see this and be happy. So, keep dreaming, keep working and I believe that one day you’ll get to this stage.” she said.

Following Nnadozie's triumph, the Super Falcons claimed the title of "Women’s National Team of the Year," with NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, proudly accepting the honor on behalf of the team. Gusau dedicated the award to all women's football teams on the African continent, celebrating their collective achievements.

The podium continued to be dominated by Nigeria as Asisat Oshoala secured her sixth Player of the Year (Women) award, solidifying her status as the most decorated woman in African football. The anticipation reached a crescendo during the announcement of the "Footballer of the Year" for men, with strong contenders like Victor Osimhen, Achraf Hakimi, and Mohamed Salah.

In a historic moment, Napoli FC's sharpshooter, Victor Osimhen, emerged as the winner, etching his name in history as the first Nigerian player in 24 years to claim this prestigious accolade. The last Nigerian to achieve this feat was Kanu Nwankwo in 1999. NFF President, Gusau, expressed his excitement and congratulated Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons, urging them to continue their stellar performances.

“I am very excited tonight. This has been hugely rewarding for our football and for our country as a whole.

“I congratulate Osimhen, Oshoala and Nnadozie, and I congratulate the Super Falcons as a team for bringing us this honour.

“My charge would be that they all keep doing what they know how to do best, keep improving and keep winning. The sky will be the beginning for them.”

Osimhen's achievement marked a unique milestone in the African Football Awards history, being the first player to transition from winning the Young Player of the Year to claiming the coveted Player of the Year (Men). This triumph followed his recent accolade as the 2022/2023 Player of the Year in Italy’s Serie A, capping off a phenomenal journey that began with the Young Player of the Year in the 2021/2022 season.

Nigeria triumphs at 2023 CAF Football Awards, Osimhen, Oshoala make history

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