The 24-year-old also scored five goals in four Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches to help Nigeria book a spot at next year's tournament.

The 24-year-old forward, whose goals led Napoli to win the coveted Serie A title after 33 years, has been voted The Best African footballer for 2023, in the annual awards given by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Osimhen's CAF award comes almost two months after he placed eighth in the men's Ballon d Or vote - becoming the first Nigerian to finish in the top 10.

The Nigerian left Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Azraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain behind him in the voting!

Oshimen became the first Nigerian footballer to win this award after 24 years. Compatriot Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona) won the African Women's Footballer of the Year prize for a record-extending sixth time. Oshoala, 29, was part of the Nigeria team that ended the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup unbeaten.

She scored in a 3-2 win over co-hosts Australia and also featured in draws against Canada, the Republic of Ireland and England, who eventually knocked Nigeria out in a penalty shootout. At club level, Oshoala shone for FC Barcelona last season as the Catalan club won Spain's Liga F and the UEFA Women's Champions League.

An important distinction also went to Morocco, which was named the best national team, while Valid Regraghi was the best coach.

2023 CAF Awards Winners List:



• Men's Player of the Year: Victor Osimhen (Napoli and Nigeria)
• Women's Player of the Year: Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona and Nigeria)
• Men's Coach of the Year: Walid Regragui (Morocco)
• Women's Coach of the Year: Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
• Men's National Team of the Year: Morocco
• Women's National Team of the Year: Nigeria
• Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal and Morocco)
• Women's Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC and Nigeria)
• Men's Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Metz and Senegal)
• Women's Young Player of the Year: Nesryne El Chad (Lille and Morocco)
• Men's Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)
• Women's Club of the Year: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
• Men's Interclub Player of the Year: Percy Tau (Al Ahly and South Africa)
• Women's Interclub Player of the Year: Fatima Tagnaout (AS FAR and Morocco)

Manos Staramopoulos

Journalist and Analyst of International Football and Affairs

Chief Editor English Zone of Discoveryfootball.com

Athens (Greece)