Super Eagles and Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has been pronounced the 2023 CAF footballer of the year.
The goal machine edged Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah – winner in 2017 and 2018 – and Morocco and PSG defender, Achraf Hakimi to the prestigious award.
Votes from head coaches/technical directors and captains of the senior national teams from CAF’s member associations saw Osimhen selected as the continent’s best footballer in 2023.
The Napoli’s no 9 collected the accolade at a ceremony in Marrakech Morocco on Tuesday night and was also named in the top 10 Balon D’or list for 2023.
It was a successful calendar year for the 24-year-old as he ended the 2022-23 season by winning the scudetto with Napoli for the first time in 33 years.
Osimhen scored 26 goals in 32 appearances for the Partenopei, whilst also clinching the golden boot award for the same season.
Before Osimhen, the last Nigerian to win the awards was Kanu Nwankwo in 1999.
Nigeria Players have won the prestigious awards five times, Rasheed Yekini became the first Nigerian to bag the award in 1993. Emmanuel Amuneke won it in 1994, whilst Victor Ikepba was crowned in 1997.