Triumphant night for Nigerian football stars at 2023 CAF Awards, Osimhen and Ashaola make history

In a dazzling ceremony held on Monday night, December 11, 2023, in Marrakech, the Nigerian duo of Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala, claimed the most prestigious individual honours at the CAF Awards 2023.

Osimhen, the formidable Nigerian striker, celebrated a well-deserved victory as he was crowned the CAF African Player of the Year for the first time. His exceptional performances in Italy and outstanding contributions to the Super Eagles propelled him ahead of strong contenders, including Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian striker Mohammed Salah.

Oshoala, on the other hand, a Nigerian icon in women's football, etched her name in history by securing the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year for a record sixth time. Her dominance was showcased through inspiring Barcelona Femeni to Champions League glory, finishing as the top scorer with an impressive 27 goals across all competitions.

Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria received the Women's Player of the Year award during the 2023 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Marrakesh on December 11, 2023. (Photo: AFP)

The coaching realm saw Morocco's Walid Regragui honoured as CAF's Best Coach of the Year in the Men's category, recognised for steering the Atlas Lions to a historic World Cup semi-final run in Qatar. On the women's side, South Africa's Desiree Ellis claimed the Best Coach award for her exceptional work with Banyana Banyana, marking her record fourth win in this category since 2018.

Percy Tau, representing South Africa and Al Ahly, clinched the CAF InterClub Player of the Year in the Men's category. Meanwhile, Senegal's rising star, 19-year-old Lamine Camara of FC Metz, secured the CAF Young Player of the Year award, highlighting his meteoric ascent in African football. The inaugural CAF Women's Young Player of the Year award went to Moroccan prodigy Nesryne El Chad.

National recognition also played a significant role, with Morocco claiming the Men’s National Team award for their outstanding performance at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, while Nigeria secured the Women’s National Team of the Year award.

In the club category, Egyptian giants Al Ahly were crowned the Male Club of the Year, while South African side Mamelodi Sundowns clinched the Women’s Club of the Year award.

The Best XI players in the Women's Category reflected South Africa's dominance, while the male version included two members from Morocco’s World Cup semi-final team.

These outstanding achievers were determined through a meticulous voting process involving a panel comprising CAF Technical Committee members, Head Coaches, National Team captains, and respected media professionals.

Full List of winners: (From Caf Website)

• Club of the Year (Men): Al Ahly (Egypt)
• Club of the Year (Women): Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
• Coach of the Year (Men): Walid Regragui (Morocco)
• Coach of the Year (Women): Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
• Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal)
• Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)
• Interclub Player of the Year (Men): Percy Tau (South Africa, Al Ahly)
• Interclub Player of the Year (Women): Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)
• National Team of the Year (Men): Morocco
• National Team of the Year (Women): Nigeria
• Player of the Year (Men): Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli)
• Player of the Year (Women): Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)
• Young Player of the Year (Men): Lamine Camara (Senegal, Metz)
• Young Player of the Year (Women): Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)