Osimhen, Oshoala rule Africa at 2023 CAF Awards

Victor Osimhen makes history with African Footballer of the Year win, Asisat Oshoala shines in women's category.

Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala posing with their CAF Awards at a lavish event in Morocco on Monday. (Photo credit: CAF)

The boy of yesterday, running the tracks in his local community, flying the Nigerian flag at the Under-17 World Cup, Victor Osimhen, the prince that became a king...

The Nigerian striker became the first from the country to land the coveted award since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999. Osimhen beat Liverpool and Egypt winger Mohammed Salah, PSG, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi to the award at a lavish ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.

Barcelone Feminine star Asisat Oshoala won the female version of Osimhen’s award for the sixth time, becoming the player to have won the award the highest number of times. Oshoala overcame injury woes to help Nigeria to a round of 16 berth at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, losing to England on penalties.

Osimhen won the Golden Boot in Napoli’s title-winning season and was the leading light on their way to their first Serie A title in thirty years. Osimhen also contributed tonnes of goals to Nigeria’s AFCON qualification, which starts in January.

"It is a dream come true. I have to thank everybody who has helped me on this journey and all Africans who have helped to put me on the map despite my faults," Osimhen said. It’s the first time in 24 years that a Nigerian has won the award.