*Defeats Mo Salah, Hakimi
Super Eagles and Napoli FC striker, Victor Osimhen, on Monday, won this year’s African Footballer of the Year Award in the men’s category, defeating Mo Salah of Egypt and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco.
The event was held in Marrakesh, Morroco.
Osimhen
The 24-year-old was announced the winner in a momentous event that solidified his status as one of the best players in the world.
Osimhen saw off competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah.
Monday’s award capped off a sterling year for the Super Eagles forward whose historic feat in the imperial Moroccan city of Marrakesh ended Nigeria’s 24-year-old wait for Africa’s top individual prize.
Kanu Nwankwo was the last Nigerian to win the award in 1999.
The prize is a recognition of Osimhen’s exploits for his Napoli club side and the national team where he is a key member. He spearheaded the Italian team’s unprecedented Serie A title run, scoring 26 goals in the league to become the first African to win the Pichichi (top scorer) award. His contribution broke George Weah’s record as the highest-scoring player from the continent in the Italian top flight.
Napoli last won the Scudetto 33 years ago during the legendary Diego Maradona’s era. For the 2022/23 campaign, the former Lille striker’s impeccable form saw him included in the Serie A Team of the Year as he also clinched the Best Striker prize.
