*The Napoli forward in final battle with Salah, Hakimi for CAF Award
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Victor Osimhen who was yesterday selected along with Egypt and Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah and Ashraf Hakimi of Morocco and PSG in the final three shortlist for the CAF men’s Player of the Year award, has been congratulated by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his accomplishments.
Osimhen on Monday became the first African to be crowned Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) 2022/23 Player of the Year at the Gran Gala del Calcio which held in Milan.
In a statement, Obaseki celebrated the exploits of the superlative striker, noting that he has continued to make Edo and Nigeria proud with his accomplishments, putting the state and country on the global map for good.
The governor said, “I heartily congratulate our own superstar, Victor Osimhen for bagging the Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) Footballer of the Year Award, becoming the first African to clinch the prestigious award.
“Osimhen has continued to display the indefatigable Edo spirit of excellence and hard work with his extraordinary brilliance, agility, resilience and outstanding performance on the pitch, solidifying his position as one of the best strikers in the world.
“We are immensely proud of your accomplishments as you continue to serve as a fine example to millions of Edo youths needing role models as they journey through life, and are confident that you will continue to soar to greater heights in your football career. Congratulations champ!” concludes Governor Obaseki.
Nwankwo Kanu was the last Nigerian star to win this prestigious CAF Player of the Year award in 1999.
Other past winners include; Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke and Victor Ikpeba.
Nigeria and Barcelona Femeni forward, Asisat Oshoala is also gunning for a record-extending sixth CAF Award top prize.
However, she has to be voted ahead of South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Barbara Banda from Zambia to achieve this milestone.
