Oshoala beat Njoya of Cameroon and Chanda of Zambia to pick the award, while Mane beat compatriot Mendy as well as former Liverpool team-mate, Salah to win
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria and Barcelona Femeni striker, Asisat Oshoala has won the African Player of the Year award (female category) for the fifth time at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards ceremony held in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.
She became the first player, both men and women, to win the award when she was announced winner on Thursday, July 21, Perpetua Nkwocha, Yaya Toure and Samuel Eto being African players who came close with four.
The awards returned for the first time in three years after being suspended by the coronavirus pandemic, with the Nigeria international retaining the title she won in 2019.
Oshoala beat Ajara Nchout Njoya (Cameroon and Inter Milan) and Zambia international Grace Chanda (Zambia and BIIK Kazygurt) to the award.
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The 27-year-old led the charge for her club’s treble last season– the Spanish Women’s Super Cup, Copa de la Reina and the Primera Division, however, injury hampered her participation in this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
She is the fourth Nigerian female player to win the continental football award after Mercy Akide (2001), Nkwocha (2004, 2005, 2010 & 2011) and Cynthia Uwak (2006 & 2007).
Meanwhile, Senegals’ Sadio Mane was also crowned the African Footballer of the Year in the male category for the second time running at the same event.
Mane scored the winning penalty as Senegal beat Egypt in a shootout in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations final to lift the trophy for the first time.
“I am very, very happy to receive the trophy this year,” Mane, 30, said as he collected his prize.
Mane beat compatriot and Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy as well as former Liverpool team-mate Salah.
“I thank the Senegalese people, and dedicate this trophy to the youth of my country,” added Mane, who also helped Senegal reach the World Cup and won two domestic cups with Liverpool.
