)
Victor Osimhen is set for a tough fight for the CAF Player of the Year award after CAF released a strong 30-man squad that includes former winners Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has unveiled the distinguished list of nominees for the prestigious Player of the Year with Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen leading a packed list.
CAfF made the reveal on Wednesday morning with Osimhen and renowned football stars, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, standing out as some of the top contenders among the 30 names released.
)
05:46 - 01.11.2023
Victor Osimhen's Napoli teammates offered money to beat Milan in Serie A showdown
Victor Osimhen's Napoli enticed with cash rewards against rivals AC Milan in the Serie A.
)
10:40 - 31.10.2023
'Jose Mourinho destroyed Salah, left him in tears' — Chelsea legend Mikel Obi
Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has opened up on Jose Mourinho's management style at Chelsea, recalling an incident with Mohamed Salah.
Osimhen leads Salah and Mane
The announcement of the nominees has ignited excitement and curiosity among football fans as they eagerly await the crowning of the continent’s top football talent.
This year’s CAF Player of the Year award promises to be intense battle, with an array of remarkable individuals led by Nigeria’s Osimhen, vying for the coveted title.
)
Napoli’s hero, Osimhen, 24, is regarded widely as the frontrunner for the 2023 edition of the Player of the Year, after an incredible 12 months for club and country.
The Super Eagles superstar was in top form as Napoli ended a 33-year wait for the Italian Serie A title, with his consistent and impressive scoring prowess key for the Italian champions.
)
He netted 26 goals in 32 appearances to not only lead them to the title but also become the first-ever African to be named the best striker in the league’s 125-year history.
Osimhen’s inclusion also comes as no surprise as he proved to be a standout player for the Super Eagles during the qualifiers where he finished as the top scorer in the continent with 10 goals.
The Battle Ahead for Osimhen
While the Nigerian international, who made history at the Ballon d’Or ceremony as the highest-ranking African this year and Nigerian ever, remains the favourite, he will face tough competition for the 2023 award.
Liverpool's Mo Salah and his former teammate, Sadio Mane, have left indelible marks on the world of football and continue to play pivotal roles for their clubs and countries.
)
Another player expected to be a strong contender is Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and compatriots, Yassine Bounou, and the goalkeeper and striker, Youssef En-Nesyri, who both played key roles in the exceptional run to the World Cup semifinal last year by the Atlas Lions of Morocco.
Other top names on the list include Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and his compatriot, Mohammed Kudus, Percy Tau of South Africa, former Manchester City dazzler, Riyad Mahrez, and the latest sensation from Guinea, Sergou Guirassy of Stuttgart.
)
Related content
)
12:10 - 01.11.2023
Super Eagles star Gift Orban nominated for CAF Young Player of the Year award
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the nominees for the 2023 Young Player of the Year award.
)
10:02 - 01.11.2023
Former NFF Chief Amaju Pinnick files N2.3b lawsuit against Davido for alleged contract breach
Ex-NFF President Amaju Pinnick and Davido have had a war of words over the latter failing to show up for a paid event.
)
03:16 - 01.11.2023
Osimhen must win African Best Player — Super Eagles midfielder warns CAF
CAF has announced that their awards, which include the African Footballer of the Year, and Nigerians continue to plead Victor Osimhen's case.
)
20:13 - 31.10.2023
Mikel Obi reveals why Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto'o almost beat up Manchester City's De Bruyne
Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi reveals that current Cameroonian FA president Samuel Eto'o once tried to beat up Manchester City talisman Kevin de Bruyne
)
19:05 - 31.10.2023
Osimhen to lose African best to Hakimi? As CAF annouce Morocco as venue for award
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announces the date and venue for the African Footballer of the Year Award.
)
18:56 - 31.10.2023
‘Shame on NFF’ — Nigerians lament Super Falcons vs Ethiopia broadcast and pitch failures
Super Falcons supporters were heavily critical of the Nigerian Football Federation for disrespecting the women's national team by failing to ensure better broadcasting and pitch conditions for Nigeria's crucial Olympic qualifier against Ethiopia
)
16:42 - 31.10.2023
South African League vs NPFL: Mikel Obi betrays countrymen with solemn verdict
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel stressed the difference between South Africa's SPL and Nigeria's NPFL and explained why more Nigerians are keen on moving to Europe than stay in the local league
)
15:43 - 31.10.2023
Ballon d’Or: Is Osimhen now a Nigerian great?
Osimhen achieved the highest-ever finish by a Nigerian in the Ballon d’Or ranking, but does that make him a Super Eagles great?
)
10:27 - 31.10.2023
Revealed: Why Napoli hero Victor Osimhen did NOT attend the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony
Osimhen made Nigerians all over the world proud after his 8th place finish at the 2023 Ballon d'Or Awards presented by France Football.
)
09:51 - 31.10.2023
Proud of you always - Victor Osimhen's girlfriend in awe of Super Eagles star after 8th place finish in Ballon d'Or
Stefanie Ladewig could not hide her delight over Victor Osimhen's historic ranking in the 2023 Ballon d'Or.
)
22:03 - 30.10.2023
‘Them no born CAF papa well if he doesn’t win Africa best player’- Nigerians react to Victor Osimhen’s Ballon d’Or ranking
Nigerians have taken to social media to congratulate Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen for his Ballon d’Or ranking.
)
17:58 - 30.10.2023
Victor Osimhen tops Salah again: Emerges Africa's best and 8th in the world in Ballon d'Or rankings
Nigeria's Victor Osimhen finished ahead of Egypt and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in the Ballon d'Or rankings.
)
23:34 - 29.10.2023
17-year-old Nigerian striker trails Lukaku's Belgian League record
George Ilenikhena, 17, follows Romelu Lukaku's teenage sensation impact in the Belgium Pro League.
)
22:27 - 29.10.2023
Frank Onyeka: Brentford flag incident of racism against Super Eagles midfielder
Premier League side Brentford denounce racist remarks directed towards Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka following victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)