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  • CAF Awards: Sports Minister lauds Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, Super Falcons

    CAF Awards: Sports Minister lauds Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, Super Falcons

    Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh proudly  has congratulated Victor Osimhen, and Asisat Oshoala  for their remarkable achievements, securing the coveted titles of Men’s African Footballer of the Year and Women’s African Footballer of the Year, respectively, at the prestigious 2023 CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco.

    The Minister said that the Nigerian duo’s triumph in clinching the most prestigious individual accolades in African football serves as a testament to their outstanding talent, dedication, and immense contributions to the beautiful game.

    He commended their exemplary performances, which have not only made Nigeria proud but have also garnered global recognition for their exceptional skills and commitment.

    Chiamaka Nnadozie also won the inaugural Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award, to solidify her position as the best goalkeeper in Africa.

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    “The victory of Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie and the Super Falcons at the CAF Awards not only brings pride and honor to Nigeria but also opens a new vista for the country’s sports landscape. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes, demonstrating that hard work, dedication, and talent can lead to remarkable success on the global stage.”

    “Osimhen’s growth from the local suburb of Olusosun to the world stage is a demonstration of why grassroots development is a major part of our plans. This administration is committed to creating a platform for more Osimhens, Oshoalas, etc. We will foster the development of our sports, and ensure we set the path for the future.”

    The Minister stated his pride in Osimhen and Oshoala (two Nigerians) creating a new record of being the first players from the same country to win the coveted prize in the same year.

    Victor Osimhen’s exceptional prowess on the field, coupled with his stellar performances for club and country, has rightfully earned him the title of Men’s African Footballer of the Year, the first Nigerian to win the award in 24 years. He also finished in the top 10 position in the 2023 Ballon D’or Awards.

    Asisat Oshoala’s incredible achievements, showcasing her unparalleled skill and commitment to the sport, have resulted in her being recognized as Women’s African Footballer of the Year once again, in a record-extending 6th time. The Super Falcons ace is sitting lonely as the most decorated African player on the CAF Awards stage.

    He  also extended  heartfelt congratulations to the Super Falcons, whose resilience and dedication have continued to elevate Nigerian women’s football on the continental stage. Their collective efforts and unwavering commitment to excellence have been integral to the success and recognition of Nigerian football talent.

    The Ministry of Sports Development remains steadfast in its support for Nigerian athletes across all sporting disciplines, reaffirming its commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure, opportunities, and encouragement for athletes to thrive and excel on both local and international platforms.

  • CAF Awards: Gusau hails Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, Falcons as Nigeria win big in Morocco

    CAF Awards: Gusau hails Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, Falcons as Nigeria win big in Morocco

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau was a very happy man last  night, as Nigeria swept important honours at this year’s CAF Football Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco.

    The NFF supremo was personally present at the Hotel Movenpick and collected the first honour that came Nigeria’s way – Women’s National Team of the Year. He dedicated the award to all women football teams on the African continent.

    Chiamaka Nnadozie, who shone brightly at the FIFA World Cup finals in Down Under this year summer as the Super Falcons reached the Round of 16, was the undoubted winner of the honour of Goalkeeper of the Year (Women). The Paris FC of France safe hands made a moving speech: “To all the young girls growing up in Africa, dreaming of becoming a footballer one day, believe me dreams do come true. My dad didn’t want me to play football but I’m sure he’s gonna see this and be happy. So, keep dreaming, keep working and I believe that one day you’ll get to this stage.”

    After Asisat Oshoala won a record-extending sixth award as Player of the Year (Women), the auditorium went silent as it was time to present the men’s version. Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah were the final three.

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    Osimhen was crowned, becoming the first Nigeria player in 24 years to take the gong. The last person was Nwankwo Kanu, back in 1999. Kanu also won in 1996, after Rashidi Yekini in 1993 and Emmanuel Amuneke in 1994. Victor Ikpeba took the crown in 1997.

    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.

    “My charge would be 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 became the first player in the history of the African Football Awards to have been crowned Player of the Year (Men) after having pocketed the Young Player of the Year (Men) in an earlier year. Only last Monday, the 24-year-old was crowned the 2022/2023 Player of the Year in Italy’s Serie A, after having won the Young Player of the Year in the same league in the 2021/2022 season.

  • Falode applauds ‘ever improving’ Nnadozie,extols Gusau over women’s football

    Falode applauds ‘ever improving’ Nnadozie,extols Gusau over women’s football

    Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) member  Aisha Falode, has congratulated Nigeria’s Paris Football Club goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, for her consistency for both club and country even as she hailed NFF President Ibrahim Gusau over his women’s  football development Initiatives

    The former Rivers Angels goalkeeper recently helped   Paris Football Club to secure qualification  for  the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League after he saved a penalty in a 3-3  away draw against Wolfsburg ladies of Germany.

    Falode praised Nnadozie  who incidentally made her breakthrough  while  she was the  Chairperson of the Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL) , saying:  “Chiamaka’s courageous displays in the past cannot be overlooked.

     “It is no longer news that the same impeccable display  that saw her saving two penalties against Arsenal Ladies ended the campaign  of the English team in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. This shows that she is a  world class goalkeeper and a good ambassador of the NWFL.”

    Falode, who  was Nigeria’s  Head of Delegation to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France 2019,  noted that the World Cup was the turning point for the goalkeeper, adding Nnadozie used that platform to set a record as the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet at that level  as a 18-year-old then.

     “Nigerians are yet to forget her heroic performance at the recently concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand,” she said. “She not only started the journey of the ouster of the current Olympic Champions, Canada, out of the World Cup with her heroic penalty save and the player of the match award.“

    The former member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Media Committee was emphatic that Nnadozie deserved to be among the top goalkeepers shortlisted by FIFA and  a possible top 3 nominees for the 2023 CAF Woman Player of The Year.

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     She  offered: “She is arguably the best goalkeeper in Africa. Her composure, command in between the sticks, leadership qualities and sound judgement are attributes that distinguish her. Ever since she took over from Tochukwu Oluehi in the Senior Women World Cup held in France 2019, it has been from one accolade to the other for her.

    “Her Rise cannot be complete without the Nigeria Football Federation that gave her the platform for the world to see her and this she humbly acknowledged.”

    In a related development, Falode who is an elite CAF Match Co-ordinator,  has praised  NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau  for his  an-all inclusive leadership style.

    “He gave women leadership positions in the women’s football community and would do anything to support the growth of women football,” she further said.“It is no surprise that the Flamingos our U17 team was the third best nation at the World Cup in India in their category.

    “Gusau had lunch with the young ladies, very fatherly and quite inspiring. He also gave total support to the Super Falcons before, during and after the World Cup in Australia.

    “He has resolved to give total support to the Super Falcons in their quest to qualify for the next Olympics come July 2024.

    “Gusau is also confident that the Super Falcons will complete La Decimal in the next African Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco next year,” Falode added.