The CAF Football Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, saw Nigeria sweep significant honours in a resounding triumph for Nigerian football, leaving Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, overjoyed.
The ceremony showcased Nigeria’s prowess in both men’s and women’s categories, securing prestigious awards and making history.
The celebration began with the Super Falcons clinching the Women’s National Team of the Year award, a recognition dedicated by Gusau to all women’s football teams across the African continent.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, whose stellar performance at the FIFA World Cup earned her the Goalkeeper of the Year (Women) honour, delivered an inspiring speech, encouraging young girls in Africa to pursue their football dreams.
Asisat Oshoala extended her record by winning a historic sixth Player of the Year (Women) award.
The auditorium hushed in anticipation as the men’s award approached, and Victor Osimhen emerged triumphant, becoming the first Nigerian player in 24 years to claim the Player of the Year (Men) title.
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The NFF President expressed his excitement, congratulating Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons for bringing honour to Nigeria.
Gusau said: “I am very excited tonight. This has been hugely rewarding for our football and for our country as a whole.
I congratulate Osimhen, Oshoala and Nnadozie, and I congratulate the Super Falcons as a team for bringing us this honour.”
Gusau’s charge to the triumphant players was clear – to continue excelling, improving, and winning.
“I would charge that they all keep doing what they know how to do best, keep improving and keep winning. The sky will be the beginning for them.”
Osimhen’s historic achievement as the first player to win both Player of the Year (Men) and Young Player of the Year (Men) further solidifies Nigeria’s prominence on the African football stage.
The recent crowning of Osimhen as the 2022/2023 Player of the Year in Italy’s Serie A further underscores his exceptional contributions to the sport.