CAF Awards 2023: Osimhen and Oshoala Shine in Final Shortlist
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the final shortlist for the 2023 African Men’s and Women’s Player of The Year Awards. In this prestigious lineup, Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen and Barcelona Femeni’s Asisat Oshoala stand out as potential winners. Let’s delve into the details of their outstanding performances and competition in this exclusive preview.
Victor Osimhen’s Stellar Year
Napoli’s talisman, Victor Osimhen, has clinched a spot in the final three for the African Men’s Player of The Year Award. He faces tough competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain and Egypt’s prolific Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah.
Impressive Club Form
Osimhen’s stellar form with Napoli over the past 12 months played a pivotal role in securing his nomination. The 24-year-old forward not only guided Napoli to their first Serie A victory in 33 years but also showcased his goal-scoring prowess with an impressive 26 goals in 32 Serie A games last season and a total of 31 goals across all competitions.
Individual Accolades
Recognizing his outstanding contributions, Osimhen bagged the Serie A Best Striker, Paolo Rossi, and Italian Footballers’ Association Player of The Year awards. Additionally, his remarkable performances earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination and a spot in the running for the Globe Soccer award.
National Team Achievements
Contributing to Nigeria’s success, Osimhen played a pivotal role in securing qualification for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. He emerged as the top scorer in the qualification series, showcasing his prowess on the international stage.
Oshoala’s Quest for a Record Sixth Award
In the women’s category, Barcelona Femeni’s Asisat Oshoala is a standout nominee, contending with South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Zambia’s Barbra Banda for the prestigious title.
Dominance with Barcelona
Oshoala played a crucial role in helping Barcelona claim the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Additionally, she guided the team to an unbeaten league victory throughout the season, making Barcelona a formidable force in women’s football.
Record-Breaking Potential
If Oshoala secures the award, it will mark her sixth triumph—an unprecedented feat in the history of the CAF Women’s Player of The Year. Her consistent excellence on the field positions her as the favorite for this coveted recognition.
Other Categories
Best Young Player of The Year – Women
Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun competes with Ghana’s Comfort Yeboah and Morocco’s Nesryne El Chad for the Best Young Player of The Year women’s award.
Women’s Best Goalkeeper
While Chiamaka Nnadozie dropped out of the race for the Women’s Player of The Year, she remains a contender for the Women’s Best Goalkeeper award, alongside Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Olamini.
National Team of The Year – Women
Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa are set to battle for the National Team of The Year women’s award.
Best Coach of the Year – Women
Falcons’ head coach Randy Waldrum did not make the final list for the Best Coach of the Year in the women’s category.
Conclusion
As the CAF Awards Gala approaches on Monday, December 11, at the Palais des Congrès, Movenpick, Marrakech, Morocco, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the crowning of the continent’s finest talents. Stay tuned for the unveiling of the winners and witness football history in the making.