Ikpeba noted that Hakimi won the Champions League, the Ligue1 and other domestic trophies with PSG last season.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Football pundit and former Super Eagles winger, Victor Ikpeba, has said Moroccan defender, Achraf Hakimi, deserved to be crowned the 2025 CAF Player of the Year.
He made this known while justifying why the Moroccan defender beat his compatriot, Victor Osimhen, to the prestigious award.
Hakimi was named the winner of the prize on Wednesday night at a CAF event in Rabat, Morocco.
He beat Osimhen and Egyptian forward, Mohamed Salah, to win the most coveted individual award in African football.
Speaking on the decision, Ikpeba, who had won the award in the past, believes Hakimi earned it due to his exploits with his club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last season.
ALSO READ: Moroccan star, Achraf Hakimi wins 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year
The 27-year-old right-back won the Champions League, the Ligue1 and every available trophy, except for the FIFA Club World Cup, with PSG.
Osimhen on the other hand, was nominated after he scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances for Galatasaray, helping them win a domestic double.
While attributing his triumph to his brilliant season with PSG, Ikpeba said, “We are disappointed we are not going to the AFCON, but Victor has been outstanding with his passion and determination when he plays for the national team with no limits.”
He added, “For the three players, I think Hakimi has been brilliant, won the Ligue 1, and he won everything with PSG.
”But I think for the beauty of the football, he is a deserving winner.”
