Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala, two Nigerian football players with international recognition, are among the final three nominees for the CAF Player of the Year award in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively.
The CAF awards finalists were revealed by the African football governing body on Thursday through tweets on its social media accounts.
Osimhen, who led the 2023 African Cup Nations qualification in scoring, will face off against Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egypt’s Mohammed Salah for the top medal.
The Nigerian, who finished the previous season with 26 goals, was a major factor in Napoli’s Scuddeto triumph and Golden Boot winner.
Oshoala, the reigning African women’s player of the year, is up against Thembi Klagtlana of South Africa and Barbara Banda of Zambia for the top rank.
With 21 goals in 28 games, Oshoala guided FC Barcelona to the Spanish League title in 2022–2023. With 27 goals, she also became the club’s leading scorer across all competitions. The 28-year-old was instrumental in helping Barcelona win the UEFA Women’s Champions League and hold onto their domestic championship.
She is the first female African player and Nigerian player to score in three different FIFA World Cups.
Additionally, Andile Dlamini (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns) will compete against Super Falcons player Chiamaka Nnadozie of Paris FC for Goalkeeper of the Year (Women).
Another Nigerian, Deborah Abiodun, is a candidate for the Young Player of the Year (Women) title. Though she has only played in one of the team’s four World Cup games, the Pittsburgh Panthers midfielder has emerged as one of the continent’s brightest prospects in the past year. She represented Nigeria in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2023.
In addition, the Super Falcons are competing for Women’s Team of the Year.
The award ceremony will take place in Marrakech, Morocco on the 11th of December, 2023.
