Nigeria became the first African country to produce both male and female Best Players of the Year in the same edition of the CAF Awards. The prestigious ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, saw Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala claiming the top prizes. Nigerian sensational striker Osimhen, secured the CAF African Player of the Year in the men’s category, marking his first. Osimhen’s outstanding performances, notably in Italy and representing the Super Eagles, earned him the coveted prize.
Nigerian stars Osimhen and Oshoala However, the competition was fiercely contested for, with strong contenders like Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian striker Mohammed Salah, making the list of the final three. On the women’s front, Asisat Oshoala added another to her tally, clinching the CAF Women’s Player of the Year for an unprecedented sixth time. Oshoala was instrumental to Barcelona women’s Champions League victory last season, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 27 goals across all competitions. The ceremony also saw the Super Falcons emerge as the Best Team of the Year, and Chiamaka Nnadozie emerging as the Best Goalkeeper of the Year. Nigeria’s double triumph reflects the nation’s prowess in football, celebrating the outstanding achievements of both male and female footballers on the continental stage.