The CAF Awards 2023: Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala crowned
The CAF Awards 2023 ceremony crowned the best African football players of the year. Among the winners, we find Victor Osimhen, Napoli striker, voted Player of the Year, and Asisat Oshoala, FC Barcelona striker, who won the Player of the Year title for the sixth time.
Victor Osimhen was rewarded for his brilliant season in Italy, where he emerged as top scorer in Serie A, a first for an African player. His performances greatly contributed to Napoli’s championship victory, ending a long drought for the club. This recognition comes after being named Serie A Player of the Year by his peers.
On the women’s side, Asisat Oshoala reigns supreme over African football. With this sixth title, she confirms her status as the best player on the continent. Her talent and consistency have made her an essential reference in women’s football. She is ahead of Thembi Kgatlana and Barbara Banda, who also had a remarkable season.
In the coaches category, Moroccan Walid Regragui was named Coach of the Year for his brilliant performance at the head of the Atlas Lions during the 2022 World Cup. He succeeds Senegalese Aliou Cissé, who won the title the previous year.
This edition of the CAF Awards also rewarded promising young talents. Lamine Camara, a Senegalese player playing for FC Metz, was named Young Player of the Year, while Nesryne El Chad, from LOSC, won the title of Young Player of the Year.
Finally, national teams and clubs were also honored. Morocco was named the men’s National Team of the Year, while Nigeria won the women’s title. On the club side, Al Ahly of Egypt were crowned Club of the Year for men, and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa for women.
The CAF Awards 2023 therefore highlighted the talents of African football, rewarding individual and collective performances. This evening confirmed the vitality of football on the continent and the importance of these awards to highlight the players who contribute to the influence of African football on the international scene.