Historic Triumphs at the CAF Awards 2023: Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala Shine Bright
The CAF Awards 2023 celebrated the outstanding achievements of African footballers, coaches, and teams on a night filled with glitz and glamour, in Marrakech, Morocco. The event witnessed the breaking of a long-standing jinx as Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala emerged as the 2023 CAF Best African Male and Female Players, respectively.
Osimhen’s Breakthrough
Victor Osimhen’s remarkable journey reached its pinnacle as he clinched the coveted CAF African Player of the Year award, becoming the first Nigerian since Kanu Nwankwo in 1999 to achieve this feat. The Napoli striker’s stellar performances in Italy and for the Super Eagles propelled him ahead of stiff competition from Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah.
Osimhen expressed gratitude and humility in his acceptance speech, marking a poignant moment in his career.
Oshoala’s Unprecedented Record
Meanwhile, Asisat Oshoala made history by securing her sixth CAF African Women’s Player of the Year Award, a testament to her unparalleled dominance in women’s football. The Barcelona forward played a pivotal role in leading her club to Champions League glory, finishing as the top scorer with an impressive 27 goals across all competitions.
Read Also: Asisat Oshoala Stunned As Davido Wears Her Barcelona Jersey
Other Notable Winners
The night was not only about individual brilliance but also celebrated outstanding achievements across various categories:
- Best Coaches: Walid Regragui (Morocco) and Desiree Ellis (South Africa) were crowned the Best Coaches in the Men’s and Women’s categories, respectively.
- National Teams: Morocco and Nigeria claimed the Men’s and Women’s National Team of the Year awards, showcasing their excellence on the international stage.
- Club Triumphs: Al Ahly (Egypt) and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) were recognized as the Club of the Year in the Men’s and Women’s categories, respectively.
Read Also: Oshoala Becomes First African Player To Score In 3 Women’s World Cups
Outstanding Performers in the XI
The FIFPRO Africa compiled the Men’s and Women’s Africa XI, featuring the continent’s best players:
Men’s Africa XI
| Position | Name | Club | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | André Onana | Internazionale / Manchester United | Cameroon |
| Defender | Achraf Hakimi | Paris Saint-Germain | Morocco |
| Defender | Chancel Mbemba | Olympique Marseille | DR Congo |
| Midfielder | André-Frank Zambo Anguissa | Napoli | Cameroon |
| Midfielder | Mohammed Kudus | AFC Ajax / West Ham United | Ghana |
| Forward | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | Egypt |
| Forward | Sadio Mané | Bayern Munich / Al-Nassr | Senegal |
| Forward | Victor Osimhen | Napoli | Nigeria |
Women’s Africa XI
| Position | Name | Club | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Andile Dlamini | Mamelodi Sundowns | South Africa |
| Defender | Bambani Mbane | Mamelodi Sundowns | South Africa |
| Defender | Lebohang Ramalepe | FC Dinamo Minsk | South Africa |
| Midfielder | Fatima Tagnaout | ASFAR | Morocco |
| Midfielder | Linda Matlhalo | Glasgow City | South Africa |
| Forward | Asisat Oshoala | Barcelona | Nigeria |
| Forward | Barbra Banda | Shanghai Shengli | Zambia |
| Forward | Tabitha Chawinga | Jianghan University / Paris Saint-Germain | Malawi |
The CAF Awards 2023 honored the best in African football and showcased the depth of talent and the remarkable strides made by players, coaches, and teams across the continent. As Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala bask in the glory of their well-deserved victories, the football world eagerly anticipates the continued rise of African talent on the global stage.
Read Also: Victor Osimhen Wins Italian Footballers’ Association Footballer of the Year Award
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