By Sogeyinbo Abdulrahmon Olabanji (SIWES student, Gate Way Polytechnic Saapade)
Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala are poised to achieve a remarkable dual honor for Nigeria at the 2023 CAF Player of the Year Awards.
The recent Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris added weight to this assertion, as Osimhen secured the eighth position in the world player rankings, while Oshoala, the sole African nominee in the women’s category, claimed a respectable 20th place.
Osimhen’s ascent to the pinnacle of global football is attributed to his outstanding performance with Napoli last season.
He became the first African to be named Serie A’s Goal King, and his goals played a pivotal role in securing his club’s championship after a wait of over three decades.
On the other hand, Oshoala achieved a treble, including her second UEFA Women’s Champions League title with Barcelona Femeni in the previous season.
She also delivered a solid performance at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where Nigeria surpassed most expectations by reaching the knockout rounds.
Oshoala, often referred to as ‘Agba Baller, has already won the CAF Player of the Year Award a remarkable four times. Winning the award in December in Morocco would be the pinnacle of her illustrious career in Nigerian football.
As for Osimhen, he has solidified his status as a genuine world-class star from Nigeria.
