London based ex- Super Eagles striker, Benedict Akwuegbu has backed his compatriot or fellow countryman, Victor Osimhen to win the 2023 men’s African Player of the Year award.
Akwuegbu, who spoke to us on telephone from his base where he is now currently studying nursing (Mental health) at the Angel Ruskin University London, said that Osimhen is by far the best player in Africa last season where his 26 goals contribution in the league helped Napoli to break a 33 years aged long jinx by winning the Scudetto for the very first time in their history.
The Austrian Bomber as he was fondly called by his admirers during his active football playing days, noted that he is not unmindful of the challenge from Salah and Hakimi, insisting that the Napoli forward is miles ahead of them by his achievement last season which is why he is throwing his weight behind him.
The press service of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed the names of the top contenders for the title of the continent’s best footballer in 2023 recently with three players standing as the main contenders for this prestigious award: forward Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli), winger Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool), and defender Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, PSG.
Osimhen’s contribution to Napoli’s championship season in 2022/23 is invaluable. With 26 goals, the Nigerian emerged as Serie A’s top scorer.
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Although Salah hasn’t boasted significant team accomplishments at Liverpool (only winning the English Super Cup), the Egyptian netted 30 goals across all competitions last season. The 25-year-old Hakimi claimed victory in both the French championship and the French Super Cup alongside PSG, being a key player for the team (39 matches, five goals, and six assists).
Competing for other awards in various categories:
Best Player Playing in Africa:
Fiston Mayele (DR Congo, Pyramids)
Peter Shalulile (Namibia, Mamelodi Sundowns)
Percy Tau (South Africa, Al-Ahly)
Young Player of the Year:
Abdessamad Ezzalzuli (Morocco, Real Betis)
Lamin Kamara (Senegal, Metz)
Amara Diouf (Senegal, Metz)
Coach of the Year:
Abdelhak Benchikha (Algeria, Simba)
Walid Regragui (Morocco)
Aliou Cissé (Senegal)
National Team of the Year:
Gambia
Morocco
Senegal
Club of the Year:
Al-Ahly (Egypt)Wydad (Morocco)Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
The ceremony honoring Africa’s best footballer, along with other categories, is scheduled for December 11 in Marrakech, Morocco.
