President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, and Chiamaka Nnadozie on receiving Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards for 2023.
According to the President’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the trio did Nigeria proud.
Osimhen was crowned African Footballer of the Year in the male category at the event in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Monday, while Oshoala was chosen African Player of the Year in the female category.
Nnadozie was crowned African Goalkeeper of the Year, while the Super Falcons won National Team of the Year.
President Tinubu praised them for their “outstanding performances on both national and international stages, and for being sources of pride to the nation and an inspiration for aspiring footballers across the continent.”
”Watching the great ambassadors of Nigeria stand atop the podium as the African Footballers of the Year, in the men and women categories, on Monday night in Marrakesh, Morocco, has strengthened our belief that with hard work, perseverance, and the help of God, everything this nation needs for greatness is within us and available to us.
”I commend Victor and Asisat for not forgetting their roots and days of humble beginnings in the game they love so much and for acknowledging the role of indigenous coaches in shaping their careers.
”I join all Nigerian fans in praying that this well-deserved honour will be the beginning of a continued journey filled with success, triumphs, and the fulfilment of all your footballing dreams,” the President said.
Nigeria Proud!
Congratulations to record-extending Asisat Oshoala @AsisatOshoala (6x African Player of the Year – Women 2023, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014), Victor Osimhen @victorosimhen9 (African Footballer of the Year 2023 – Male), Chiamaka Nadozie @Nadoziechiamaka (African… pic.twitter.com/B3ZTkfamXe
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) December 11, 2023
Osimhen’s historic victory earned him the first Nigerian to win the prized title since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999, beating out challengers Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain.
Oshoala, who currently plays for FC Barcelona, triumphed over heavy competition from South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Zambia’s Barbra Banda, collecting her record-breaking sixth African Player of the Year accolade.
