CAF 2023 Awards: Osimhen says winning is dream come true

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has expressed joy after being named CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year at a glamorous event held Monday night in Marrakesh, Morocco.

The 24-year-old claimed the prestigious CAF Men’s Award after his heroic performances for the Super Eagles and Napoli to become the first Nigerian winner since Kanu Nwankwo won it in 1999.

Osimhen beat stiff competition from Morocco, PSG defender Achraf Hakimi, Egypt, and Liverpool striker Mohammed Salah to win the top award.

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The honour capped a remarkable year for the powerful frontman, who also fired Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with 10 goals to finish as the top scorer of the qualifiers.

The 24-year-old Napoli star was in impressive form for Parthenopeans last season, where he helped the team clinch the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years.

While speaking after receiving the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year Award, Osimhen expressed gratitude to former Nigeria international Emmanuel Amuneke, who discovered him in his early days and coached him at the U-17 level.

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“First of all, I want to say thank you to God for everything. Special thanks go to Mr Emmanuel Amuneke; without him, I don’t think I would be standing in front of you guys holding one of the most prestigious awards in world football,” Osimhen said in Marrakesh.

“It’s a dream come true for me. I want to thank everyone who has seen me through life’s journey. In achieving my dreams, in achieving my goals.

“I appreciate Nigerians for their support; I appreciate Africa for putting me on the map, for encouraging me, and for defending me regardless of my shortcomings.

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“I also thank Emmanuel Adebayo for his encouragement. Solomon Kalu, I appreciate you. And every African legend that I have looked up to while growing up has inspired me. Didier Drogba, my role model, thank you so much. God bless you all.”

His performances also earned him a nomination for the Ballon d’Or, where he finished 8th, becoming the first Nigerian to make the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or voting.

Osimhen bagged an incredible 31 goals in 39 matches across all competitions for Napoli last season and has continued his fantastic scoring record this campaign, as he has already netted six goals in 10 matches.