Tag: Caf Awards

CAF Awards: Akpabio celebrates Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Super Falcons for making Nigeria proud

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON has congratulated Nigeria’s Atalanta of Italy forward and Super Eagles goal poacher, Ademola Lookman for winning the CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award.

Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh also congratulated the Super Falcons goal keeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie for emerging as the Women’s Goal Keeper of the Year.

He also hailed the National female team, Super Falcons for winning the Women’s National Team of the Year Award.

The Senate President who extolled Lookman’s exceptional skills and prowess said “I wish to congratulate one of our finest footballers and an international superstar, Ademola Lookman on his well-deserved win as the CAF Men’s Player of the Year.

“This prestigious award is a testament to Lookman’s hard work, dedication, and exceptional skills on the football pitch.

I would also like to celebrate our amiable and talented Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who has won the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive year. Her outstanding performance is an inspiration to young Nigerian girls who aspire to excel in sports.

Furthermore, I commend the Super Falcons for emerging as the Women’s National Team of the Year. This achievement demonstrates the team’s resilience, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.

These awards are not only a proud moment for Nigerian football but also a reflection of our nation’s rich sporting talent. We are honoured to have such exceptional athletes representing Nigeria on the global stage.

The Senate and in deed the National Assembly under my leadership would continue to support sports through enabling laws and adequate appropriations to harness all the hidden talents in the country.

Once again, I congratulate Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons on their remarkable achievements.

December 17, 2024
2023 CAF Awards: Amuneke reacts to social media backlash for picking Salah ahead of Osimhen

Tunisia 1994 revelation and former Super Eagles winger, Emmanuel Amuneke has made clarifications on why he chose Mohamed Salah of Egypt ahead of Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen in the 2023 CAF Player of the Year Award.

In his clarifications, the 1994 African footballer of the year said he wasn’t contacted to vote in the CAF Awards.

Recall that Amuneke has received several backlash on social media for pitching his tent for Salah whilst his own boy Osimhen was on the list.

However, speaking on Twitter on Tuesday morning, Amuneke claimed that the viral video that led to the uproar was a result of a Moroccan journalist asking him to choose between Salah and Achraf Hakimi.

His words: “I was never elected to vote in the CAF Awards. A Moroccan journalist came to me and asked ‘Hakimi or Salah’.

“I said Salah because I played in Egypt and I lived in Egypt and I know some of the guys there. Osimhen was never in the conversation,” Amuneke said.

Osimhen was crowned CAF Player of the Year on Monday night, ahead of Salah and Hakimi.

December 12, 2023
Tinubu reacts to Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie win at CAF Awards

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, on winning the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year award.

This is contained in a statement of Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The President also celebrated the remarkable achievements of Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who clinched the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of the Year for the sixth time.

Also, celebrated by the President is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was awarded the Woman Goalkeeper of the Year, as well as the Super Falcons for emerging the Women’s National Team of the Year.

The President commended the trio for their outstanding performances on both national and international stages, and for being sources of pride to the nation and an inspiration for aspiring footballers across the continent.

”Watching the great ambassadors of Nigeria stand atop the podium as the African Footballers of the Year, in the men and women categories, on Monday night in Marrakesh, Morocco, has strengthened our belief that with hard work.

”I commend Victor and Asisat for not forgetting their roots and days of humble beginnings in the game they love so much and for acknowledging the role of indigenous coaches in shaping their careers.

”I join all Nigerian fans in praying that this well-deserved honour will be the beginning of a continued journey filled with success, triumphs, and the fulfilment of all your footballing dreams,” the President said.

December 12, 2023
Player of the Year award: Super Eagles coach, Peseiro hails Victor Osimhen

Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro has hailed Victor Osimhen following his victorious outing at the 2023 CAF Awards in Marrakesh, Morocco on Monday.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Super Eagles forward, Osimhen and Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, were crowned the 2023 CAF African Player of the Year in a keenly contested award.

While Osimhen bagged the men’s award, Oshoala won the women’s title at an event held in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Monday.

“A big salute to Victor Osimhen for winning CAF Player of the Year and being named in the CAF team of the year.

“His exceptional skill, commitment, and top-notch professionalism mark him as one of the world’s best. Truly deserved for an extraordinary talent.

“Applause to the Super Falcons for winning Team of the Year! Congrats to Asisat Oshoala, Alozie and Ohale Osinachi for making the Women’s XI and Nnadozie Chiamaka for Goalkeeper of the Year.

“Proud of our Nigerian stars shining on the global stage,” Peseiro stated.

Osimhen, who plies his trade with Napoli FC of Italy won the coveted prize after Nwankwo Kanu who won it in 1999.

Osimhen beat Liverpool and Egypt’s Mohammed Salah and PSG and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi to win the crown.

The Super Eagles striker had an excellent football season in 2022 as he helped Napoli win the Serie A title for the first time after over 30 years.

He had also emerged as the Serie A Player of the season having scored 26 league goals and 31 in all competitions.

For 29-year-old Oshoala, this is her sixth time of winning the award, having won it in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022.

Super Falcon’s Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie also won the women’s goalkeeper of the year prize, while the team was named the best women’s national team in Africa.

Also, Super Falcons players Michelle Alozie and Ohale Osinachi made the CAF women’s best XI.

December 11, 2023
2023 CAF Awards: Alozie, Ohale win Best XI award

Super Falcons defenders, Michelle Alozie and Osinachi Ohale have been named in the African Women’s Best XI at the 2023 CAF Awards in Marrakesh, Morocco on Monday.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Alozie and Ohale were named in the African Women’s Best XI alongside Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, who won the 2023 Women’s African Player of the Year award.

Also making the African Women’s Best XI are Andile Olamini from South Africa, Bambani Mbane of South Africa, Osinachi Ohale from Nigeria and Lebohang Ramalepe from South Africa.

Others are Fatima Tagnaout from Morocco, Linda Matlhalo from South Africa, Refiloe Jane from South Africa, Barbra Banda from Zambia and Tabitha Chawinga from Malawi.

TNG reports Super Falcon’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who won the women’s goalkeeper of the year prize, missed out in the African Women’s Best XI put together by FIFPRO.

Meanwhile, the Super Falcons were named the 2023 Women’s National Team of the Year in Africa.

December 11, 2023
2023 CAF Awards: What Victor Osimhen said after breaking 24-year jinx

Nigeria Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen has broken a 24-year jinx to win the 2023 African Player of the Year award.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Confederation of African Football (CAF) handed Osimhen the 2023 African Player of the Year award on Monday in Marrakech, Morocco.

Osimhen, who plies his trade with Napoli, singled out Emmanuel Amunike for praise while receiving his African Player of the Year award.

“I want to appreciate Emmanuel Amunike, without him, I will not be here,” the Super Eagles forward said, adding: “Drogba, my role model”.

He went further to say: “I want to also congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie and Asisat Oshoala for their awards tonight.

“It shows that Nigeria has a bunch of talents and I think we are just getting started. There is more to come”.

At the 2023 CAF awards ceremony, Super Falcons forward, Asisat Oshoala won the Women’s African Footballer of the Year award for the sixth-time.

On her part, Super Falcons goalie, Chiamaka Nnadozie won the 2023 Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

“My Dad never wanted me to play football, but I am sure he will be proud of me tonight,” Nnadozie said shortly after receiving her award.

TNG reports the Super Falcons won the National Team of the Year award in the women’s category.

NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, who received the CAF 2023 Women’s National Team of Year award, dedicated it to all the women’s national teams across Africa.

December 11, 2023
CAF Awards: Agba Baller, Oshoala scoops sixth African female footballer of the year

Super Falcons and Barcelona Femeni striker, Asisat Oshoala, has won the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of The Year at the Confederation of African Football awards.

The award makes Oshoala’s Sixth award in the category.

“This night, I would love to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of my journey from grassroots football to the national level to the club side. Because without you, my coaches, and my teammates, there will be no me,” Oshoal said in her acceptance speech.

“Football is a team sport; it’s a team game and I urge all the federations in Africa to please come together; let’s work together and build our continent. Let’s make it the best in the world.

“It is very possible; it happened in the last men’s World Cup; we saw what happened, and we shocked the world. In the last World Cup, all the national teams that represented Africa in Australia made history.

“And I believe that before the next World Cup, we can get better, we can do better and we can win it for sure. Because at the end of the day, if we don’t support ourselves, nobody will come to Africa; nobody will come to this continent to support us.

“We have to work together as a team because football is a team sport. Let’s start at home and go to the world and conquer it.”

December 11, 2023
2023 CAF Awards: See full list of winners
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) held its 2023 awards on Monday in Marrakesh, Morocco, where Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen and Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, were crowned African Players of the Year.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Osimhen bagged the 2023 Men’s Player of the Year award and Oshoala won the 2023 Women’s Player of the Year award at the CAF Awards 2023.

While Michelle Alozie and Ohale Osinachi were named in the Women’s Best XI, the Super Falcons of Nigeria won the Women’s National Team of the Year award.

Below is the full list of winners at the CAF Awards 2023:
- 2023 Men’s Player of the Year – Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
- 2023 Women’s Player of the Year – Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
- 2023 Men’s Coach of the Year – Walid Regragui (Morocco)
- 2023 Women’s Coach of the Year – Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year – Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year – Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
- Goal of the Year – Mahmoud Kahraba’s
- 2023 National Team of the Year (MEN) – Morocco
- 2023 National Team of the Year (WOMEN) – Super Falcons (Nigeria)
- 2023 Men’s Young Player of the Year – Lamine Camara (Senegal)
- 2023 Women’s Young Player of the Year – Nesryne El Chad (Morocco)
- 2023 Men’s Interclub Player of the Year – Percy Tau (South Africa)
- 2023 Women’s Interclub Player of the Year – Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco)
- 2023 Club of the Year (MEN) – Al Ahly (Egypt)
- 2023 Club of the Year (WOMEN) – Sundowns Ladies (South Africa)
December 11, 2023
2023 CAF Awards: Osimhen breaks 24-year jinx, wins CAF player of the year award

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.

December 11, 2023
CAF Awads: D-Day for Osimhen, Oshoala, others as ceremony holds today in Morocco

Marrakech city in the North African country of Morocco is agog as the much anticipated CAF Awards 2023 will be held at the Palais des Congrès later tonight.

For the first time in a long while, a Super Eagles player will have a shot on the African footballer of the year plaque which has eluded for a while.

Super Eagles Victor Osimhen looks set to clinch the title for the first time in 24 years since Kanu Nwankwo last won the title.

Osimhen will slug it out with Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi.

Nigerian duo Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala as they look to claim the ultimate prize in the men’s and women’s categories.

Osimhen is in contention for the Men’s Player of the Year with Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah.

Osimhen posted a heroic performance for clun and country last season guiding the Partenopei to their first title in 33 years.

The 24 year-old scored 26 goals in 32 appearances for the Partenopei

Osimhen also scored five goals in six appearances for the Naples club in the UEFA Champions League.

On the international scene, he scored 10 goals in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

For Barcelona Femeni’s star Oshoala, claiming the top prize will see her become the first woman to win the award for a record-extending sixth time.

The striker claimed a record fifth crown a year ago in Rabat, Morocco.

Similarly, Chiamaka Nnadozie, also made the last three for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. She earned her nomination owing to her heroic performance for the Super Falcons at the World Cup and for clubsides Paris FC of France.

Known as Ngolo Kante of women football, Super Falcons defensive Midfielder, Deborah Abiodun has also been nominated in the Young Player of the Year category.

December 11, 2023