Monday night was a special, glorious night for Nigerian football as Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and his Falcons counterpart Asisat Oshoala received the African Best Player accolades.
𝚅𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛 𝙾𝚜𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚎𝚗 𝙲𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍:
Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has celebrated his win of the 2023 Confederation of African Football Player of the Year Awards, stating that the joy in his heart cannot be contained as “becoming a Treasure in Africa and World Football was a wild dream.”
The player who emerged as the first Nigerian to win the award since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999, expressed his gratitude in a post on his X handle on Tuesday.
Reminiscing his days of humble beginning, he wrote, “As a young boy who came from the streets of Olusosun, who had to hawk in traffic almost every day of the week while growing in order to survive the numerous challenges my family and I were facing, becoming a Treasure in Africa and World Football was a wild dream. Words can’t express the joy in my heart, this is a very special moment for me.
“My football journey has been a rollercoaster of highs, tough lows, and emotions. The goals, echoes, and jubilation of victories keep me going even when the criticism, hate and pain of defeats hit me hard in the chest.
“The support of my amazing family, my fans most especially my Nigerian supporters, and the love for the beautiful game of football motivates me to aim higher daily.
“Losing my dear parents in the course of this journey leaves a scar in my heart as they have always been my major driving force for success since I was a kid, may their souls continue to rest in peace.
“To my fans and Nigerian supporters, your dedication in supporting me on the good days and bad days does not go unnoticed, even amidst the arrows of hatred thrown at me y’all still stood by my side. Winning the CAF Best African Player 2023 is a testament to my hard work, your love and support.
“I am so proud of myself for achieving this prestigious award. Thank you CAF, to all the coaches I have played under both local and international, your wisdom and knowledge have played huge roles in guiding my footballing career, thank you so much. I am sure my parents in heaven are smiling at me, this is for you.”
He also congratulated Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie on their awards of 2023 CAF Women’s Player of the Year and Woman Goalkeeper of the Year, respectively.
CAF Awards: Super Falcons shine in Morocco
Nigerian duo, Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie emerged winners at the 2023 edition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards which took place on Monday night in Morocco.
Oshoala took home the Women’s Player of the Year Award for a record sixth time while Nnadozie won the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
Oshoala, who plays her club football for Barcelona, beat South Africa’s Thembi Klagtlana and Zambia’s Barbara Banda to the award following an impressive season which saw Barca Femini win the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the second time and the Primera División. She also became the first African player to score at 3 three editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.
23-year-old Nnadozie who kept 3 clean sheets at the FIFA World Cup and helped Paris FC qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League groups stages, following two penalty saves against Arsenal women in the qualification rounds, won kept the Goalkeeper of the Year ahead of Khadija Er-Rmichi and Andile Dlamini.
While Oshoala became the first player to win the Player of the Year six times, Nnadozie also made history as she became the winner of the inaugural Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year at the CAF Awards.
Nnadozie beat 𝚝𝚑𝚎 Moroccan shot-stopper Khadija El-Rmichi and South Africa's Andile Olaminii
She showed her heroics in the Women’s World Cup match against Olympic champions Canada, making three saves, including stopping a 50th-minute penalty from Christine Sinclair.
Her performances in the game secured a goalless draw for the Super Falcons, earned her a Player of the Match award, and garnered international attention.
Nnadozie has also been a key part of Paris FC’s success this campaign. She has kept six clean sheets and helped them get a Women’s Champions League qualification for the first time.
The 23-year-old, in her acceptance speech, said, ”I just want to use this great opportunity to say a very great thank you to the organisers and also for remembering the female goalkeeper this year.”
“I also want to say a very big thank you to the Nigerian football president for everything he has done in the Nigerian league and female football. I am a product of Nigerian female football.”
“Also, thank you to my club, Paris FC for all the encouragement and thanks to everyone who voted for me and who nominated me.”
“And to all the young girls who grew up in Africa, dreaming of becoming footballers one day—believe me, dreams do come true.”
“My dad never wanted me to play, but I am sure he is going to see this tonight and he is going to be happy. Keep dreaming; keep working hard. Thank you”
In the spirit of winning, the Super Falcons of Nigeria also won the Women’s Team of the Year for the first time since 2018 and the fifth since the inception of the CAF Awards.
Super Falcons trio: Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale and Oshoala also made the Team of the Year as Nnadozie shockingly missed out to South Africa’s Andile Dlamini despite winning the Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
In the spirit of winning, the Super Falcons of Nigeria also won the Women’s Team of the Year for the first time since 2018 and the fifth since the inception of the CAF Awards.
Super Falcons trio: Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale and Oshoala also made the Team of the Year as Nnadozie shockingly missed out to South Africa’s Andile Dlamini despite winning the Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
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