Nigeria forwards Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala made the final shortlist for the CAF men’s and women’s player of the year scheduled for December 11, 2023, in Marrakech, Morocco.
On Thursday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the final three nominees for all categories in the 2023 Awards, days before the ceremony in Morocco.
The Super Eagles striker faces stiff competition from Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi, Egypt, and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.
While Oshoala will be up against Thembi Kgatlana from South Africa and Barbara Banda from Zambia.
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.
Read alsoOsimhen wins AIC footballer of the year award
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.
The former Lille forward has proven himself to be one of the best strikers in Europe and is favoured to clinch the CAF Award in December.
Senegal forward Sadio Mane, who was crowned 2022 CAF Men’s Player, failed to make the final shortlist.
The winner of each category will be decided after votes from a voting panel consisting of the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, Head Coaches and Captains of Member Associations and clubs involved in the group stages of the Interclub competitions.
Full List of Nominees:
Player of the Year (Men)
Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain)
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli)
Player of the Year (Women)
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)
Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa, Racing Louisville)
Barbara Banda (Zambia, Shanghai Shengli)
Interclub Player of the Year (Men)
Fiston Mayele (DR Congo, Pyramids)
Peter Shalulile (Namibia, Mamelodi Sundowns)
Percy Tau (South Africa, Al Ahly)
Interclub Player of the Year (Women)
Refilwe Tholakele (Botswana, Mamelodi Sundowns)
Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)
Lebohang Ramalepe (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)
Coach of the Year (Men)
Abdelhak Benchika (Algeria, Simba SC)
Walid Regragui (Morocco)
Aliou Cisse (Senegal)
Coach of the Year (Women)
Reynald Pedros (Morocco)
Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
Jerry Tshabalala (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)
Goalkeeper of the Year (Men)
Andre Onana (Cameroon, Manchester United)
Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt, Al Ahly)
Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal)
Goalkeeper of the Year (Women)
Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco, AS FAR)
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)
Andile Dlamini (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)
Young Player of the Year (Men)
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Morocco, Real Betis)
Lamine Camara (Senegal, Metz)
Amara Diouf (Senegal, Metz)
Young Player of the Year (Women)
Comfort Yeboah (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)
Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)
Deborah Abiodun (Nigeria, Pittsburgh Panthers)
National Team of the Year (Men)
Gambia
Morocco
Senegal
National Team of the Year (Women)
Morocco
Nigeria
South Africa
Club of the Year (Men)
Al Ahly (Egypt)
Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Club of the Year (Women)
AS FAR (Morocco)
Sporting Casablanca (Morocco)
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
