In a momentous ceremony held in Marrakech, the CAF Awards 2023 witnessed the crowning of Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala as the standout achievers of the night. Osimhen, renowned for his remarkable contributions in Italy’s football arena and for the Super Eagles, secured the prestigious CAF African Player of the Year for the first time. Meanwhile, Oshoala, a Nigerian icon, clinched her record-breaking sixth CAF African Women’s Player of the Year title.
Osimhen’s victory was hard-fought, triumphing over strong contenders like Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian striker Mohammed Salah. His exceptional journey and impact in both Italian football and the Nigerian national team propelled him to this significant honour.
On the women’s front, Oshoala’s dominance soared as she not only secured her sixth CAF African Women’s Player of the Year but also inspired Barcelona to Champions League glory. Her prolific scoring, totalling 27 goals across various competitions, underscored her exceptional skill and contribution to her club’s success.
The awards night also recognised coaching excellence, with Morocco’s Walid Regragui and South Africa’s Desiree Ellis claiming top honours in the Best Coach categories for men and women, respectively. Regragui was lauded for steering the Atlas Lions to a historic World Cup semi-final run in Qatar, while Ellis received her fourth consecutive award for her outstanding work with Banyana Banyana since 2018.
Other notable winners included Percy Tau from South Africa and Al Ahly, securing the CAF InterClub Player of the Year, and Senegal’s rising star Lamine Camara, claiming the CAF Young Player of the Year accolade at just 19 years old. Moroccan prodigy Nesryne El Chad clinched the inaugural CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year.
National teams and clubs also basked in their glory, with Morocco securing the Men’s National Team award for their impressive performance at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The Women’s National Team of the Year honor was claimed by Nigeria. The Male Club of the Year award went to Egyptian giants Al Ahly, while South African side Mamelodi Sundowns clinched the women’s award.
Additionally, the Best XI players in both men’s and women’s categories saw representations from Morocco and South Africa, showcasing the continent’s diverse talent pool. The winners in each category were determined through a rigorous voting process involving CAF Technical Committee members, Head Coaches, National Team captains, and esteemed media professionals. This recognition not only celebrates individual brilliance but also highlights the collective strength and talent within African football.
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Source: CAF
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