By Akinwale Kasali
The moment was historic and magical as the crowd rose to its feet in Marrakech, Morocco CAF President when Patrice Motsepe called out the striker’s name, writing him into the footballing history books forever.
Super Eagles Striker, Victor Osimhen has written his name in the history books of Nigeria football and in the African continent.
After 23-Year hiatus of winning the coveted award, Osimhen has broken the age long jinx for Nigeria. He became the first Nigerian to receive the CAF awards after ex-international, Kanu Nwankwo, in 1999.
Osimhen saw off competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Senegal’s Sadio Mane, and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, among others.
The 24-year-old, standing at 1.85m has indeed stood tall among his peers, with the award coming after a lengthy 24-year wait.
Speaking after he was named Africa’s Best, an elated Osimhen hailed the impact of Nigerian legend and 1994 CAF Footballer of the Year, Emmanuel Amuneke, who coached him at the U-17 level, as well as fans from the country among others.
“First of all, I want to say thank you to God for everything. Special thanks go to Mr. Emmanuel Amuneke; without him, I don’t think I would be standing in front of you guys holding one of the most prestigious awards in world football,” he told the gathering of the creme-de-la-creme of African football and beyond.
“It’s a dream come true for me. I want to thank everyone who has seen me through life’s journey. In achieving my dreams, in achieving my goals.
“I appreciate Nigerians for their support; I appreciate Africa for putting me on the map, for encouraging me, and for defending me regardless of my shortcomings.
“I also thank Emmanuel Adebayor for his encouragement. Salomon Kalou, I appreciate you. And every African legend that I have looked up to while growing up who inspired me. Didier Drogba, my role model, thank you so much. God bless you all.”
No doubt, his triumph is a sigh of relief for Nigerians who had waited anxiously for a day like this.
Osimhen registered 26 goals in the league, and Five goal in the UEFA Champions League, becoming the first African to win the top scorer award in the domestic Serie A league.
He later won the Italian league’s best striker prize and got included inthe Serie A Team of the Year, earning him a place in the hearts of the Neapolitans.
Super Falcons and Barcelona Feminina Team Forward, Asisat Oshoala defended the title she won last year, as she was crowned CAF Female Footballer of the Year for the Seventh Time, brushing aside, South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Zambia’s Barbara Banda.
Paris Football Club of France and Super Falcons Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie was crowned the Best Female Goalkeeper in Africa, with the Super Falcons of Nigeria National Team named the Best Female Team of the Year.
