Osimhen scooped the prestigious award at an elaborate ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday
By Kehinde Okeowo
Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen has thanked his family and supporters after winning the Men’s Player of the Year gong at the CAF Awards 2023.
The 24-year-old scooped the prestigious award at an elaborate ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday night.
Osimhen beat strong competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah to land the individual honour.
With the feat, he became the first Nigerian to win the award after former Ajax and Arsenal forward, Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
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After the news made the rounds, his fans and prominent Nigerians took to social media to hail him for making the country proud.
Reacting to the comments via a heartfelt message posted on his X handle, Osimhen reflected on his journey to stardom.
“As a young boy who came from the streets of Olusosun, who had to hawk in traffic almost every day of the week while growing in-order to survive the numerous challenges my family and I were facing, becoming a Treasure in Africa and World Football was a wild dream. Words can’t express the joy in my heart, this is a very special moment to me.
“My football journey has been a rollercoaster of highs, tough lows and emotions. The goals, echoes and jubilation of victories keep me going even when the critics, hate and pain of defeats hit me hard in the chest. The support of my amazing family, my fans most especially my Nigerian supporters and the love for the beautiful game of football motivates me to aim higher daily.
“Losing my dear parents in the course of this journey leaves a scar in my heart as they have always been my major driving force for success since I was a kid, may their souls continue to rest in peace. To my wonderful family thanks for always having my back and loving me so much. I wouldn’t have made it this far without your esteemed support. To my fans and Nigerian supporters, your dedication to supporting me on the good days and bad days does not go unnoticed, even amidst the arrows of hatred thrown at me y’all still stood by my side. I am grateful.
“Winning the CAF Best African Player 2023 is a testament of my hard work, your love and support. I am so proud of myself for achieving this prestigious award. Thank you CAF, to all the coaches I have played under both local and international, your wisdom and knowledge have played huge roles in guiding my footballing career, thank you so much. I am sure my parents in heaven are smiling at me, this is for you. I also congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie and Asisat Oshoala for their prestigious awards. Dreams do come true! Thank you everyone, GOD is the greatest.”
