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Osimhen’s AFOTY glory can inspire Nigeria’s success at AFCON, says Rohr

Immediate past foreign trainer of the Super Eagles, German coach Gernot Rohr, believes the newly crowned 2023 African Footballer of the Year (AFOTY), Victor Osimhen, can inspire Nigeria to win her long-awaited fourth African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Cote d’Ivoire.

On Monday, the 24-year-old Napoli striker ended Nigeria’s long wait for an AFOTY winner since Nwankwo Kanu won the 1999 edition of the foremost continental individual prize, and Rohr who handed Osimhen his Super Eagles debut has now hinted that he was capable of energising the country’s campaign in January.

Nigeria has been drawn in a tricky Group A that houses hosts Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau as the best 32 countries on the continent gather in the cocoa- rich West African country.

“I’m so happy that Osimhen got the Africa Best Player Award of 2023 because he truly deserves it after scoring so many goals and playing so well (for club and country),” the former Bayern Munich Defender told NationSport. “Of course, with his goals, he can drive the Super Eagles to AFCON victory; he can do that and I hope that he will.”

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The 70-year-old Rohr, who now manages The Cheetahs of Benin Republic, said he was happy over the fact that he gave Osimhen his break with the Super Eagles, saying that the exemplary conduct of the former Lille striker on the pitch would stand him in good stead in years to come.

“He was 17 when I first saw him, and drafted him to the Super Eagles in my very first match with Tanzania and a lot of people were surprised, he said. “Again, many were also surprised when I took him to the 2019 AFCON in Egypt but he showed later all the qualities he has.

“This boy is still the same; humble, working hard and staying always modest, which is a good sign for a big player (desirous to be the greatest),” noted the vastly travelled Rohr who had previously worked in Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Niger and Gabon before his detour in Nigeria between 2016 and 2022.

December 13, 2023
Tinubu celebrates Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie at CAF
- Awards reaffirm Nigeria’s greatness
President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, on winning the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year award.

The President also celebrates the remarkable achievements of Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who clinched the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of The Year for a record-extending sixth time, and Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was awarded the Woman Goalkeeper of the Year, as well as the Super Falcons for emerging the Women’s National Team of the Year.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu said the laurels won by the Nigerian ambassadors at the prestigious awards have reaffirmed the belief that the country has what it takes to rise to greatness.

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

The President commended the trio of Osimhen, Oshoala and Nnadozie for their outstanding performances on both national and international stages, and for being sources of pride to the nation and 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 noted.
December 13, 2023
Osimhen forgives Napoli for TikTok chaos

Napoli star Victor Osimhen admits the TikTok chaos from last September was a ‘stupid error’ and insists neither the club nor President Aurelio De Laurentiis treated him badly.

The striker’s agent, Roberto Calenda, threatened legal action against Napoli at the end of September following a video published by the club’s official TikTok account, seemingly mocking the Nigerian star.

Osimhen has now revealed that troubles caused by the social media post have been put aside.

“I must clarify something,” Osimhen said on Monday after being named African Player of the Year. “I was not treated badly by Napoli or De Laurentiis. I’m sorry to say this word, but it was a stupid error from somebody who thought he could use a thing like that to joke at a crucial moment.

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“I was certainly not happy, but De Laurentiis, his son Edoardo and many at the club have supported me,” the striker continued.

“They explained the situation, and even the person responsible for it was really nice to me. That was the most important thing. I spoke to that person and he proved to be deeply sorry. Everything has been solved, so I am happy with them. Now I look to the future to leave it behind. This story belongs to the past.”

December 13, 2023
FCT FA boss Mohammed hails Osimhen’s emergence as Africa’ Best

Federal Capital Territory Football Association(FCTFA) chairman, Mouktar Mohammed has lauded the emergence of Super Eagles attacker, Victor Osimhen, as the 2023 CAF Player of the Year.

Speaking from Saudi Arabia at the ongoing World football Summit in Jeddah, Mohammed disclosed that the Nigerian deserved to be so named with the Scudetto title he won with Napoli and the individual honours being the highest scorer in Serie A and 2023 AFCON qualifiers.

“Victor deserved to win it. He did enough at club level to win a lot of laurels for Napoli ,” he told Television Continental (TVC).”It was a straight fight between the Moroccan Achraf Hakimi and Osimhen. But Osimhen did enough to prove himself. He also was the highest scorer at the 2023 AFCON qualifiers which gave him the edge.”

Osimhen’s emergence as the best player in Africa returned Nigeria back to the pinnacle of football on the continent for the first time since 1999 when Kanu Nwankwo won it while with Arsenal and the FCT FA boss hinted that it took Nigeria such long years because we have not done enough to bring forth special talents.

He said Egypt, Morocco and some other developed African nations have special centres where talents are developed and nurtured but that in Nigeria we always like to seek the easy way out.

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

“We have a gap is we do not have centre of excellence like Egypt, Morocco and a others where we have various centres to train world class talents. We are trying to find accidental talents. It doesn’t work that way,” Mohammed disclosed.

Meanwhile, Mohammed has thumbed up the decision by Saudi Arabia to make the nation the leading hub in global sports, adding that the decision is helping to grow the country’s GDP with more tourists now heading to the Middle East country.

“Saudi Arabia took a conscious decision by dreaming big. Their aspiration is to establish themselves as the leading force in global sports. They have realised the power of sports especially football.

“Saudis are attracting more tourists and this will grow their GDP and there will be bigger investment. Everybody has taken notice of it and a lot of talents are moving to Saudi Arabia now. It is a great move and it will give other nations the inspiration to do the same, “he added.

December 13, 2023
Tinubu celebrates Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie for shining at CAF Awards

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, on winning the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year award.

The President also celebrates the remarkable achievements of Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who clinched the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of The Year for the sixth time, and Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was awarded the Woman Goalkeeper of the Year, as well as the Super Falcons for emerging the Women’s National Team of the Year.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu said the laurels won by the Nigerian ambassadors to the prestigious awards have reaffirmed the belief that the country has what it takes to rise to greatness.

The President commends the trio of Osimhen, Oshoala and Nnadozie 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.

Read Also: Osimhen, Oshoala win 2023 CAF men’s, women’s player of the year

He said: ”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.”

December 12, 2023
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.

December 12, 2023
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.

December 12, 2023
Osimhen makes IFFHS World Best Player’s shortlist

* Nigerian ace may be benched against Braga

Super Eagles attacker, Victor Osimhen is set to battle with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and 21 others for the 2023 International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) Men’s World Best Player for 2023 along with

Osimhen who had an exceptional campaign with current Serie A champions last season is among the 24 players nominated for the award by the IFFHS yesterday.

Other names on the shortlist for the award are Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Antoine Griezman and Bukayo Saka.

Also included are Vinicius Junior, Mohamed Salah, Martin Odegaard, Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne and Jude Bellingham.

Osimhen has been nominated for several awards after his remarkable displays for Napoli in the 2022/23 season as he emerged Serie A top scorer with 26 goals from 32 appearances.

Read Also: Tinubu: I won’t lose battle against bandits, terrorists

The 24-year was named Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) Serie A Player of the Year for the 2022/23 season.

Meanwhile, Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has hinted Osimhen may start on the bench against Braga in today’s Champions League match after missing a training session yesterday to attend the African Footballer of the Year Award.

The Partenopei host Braga at the Stadio Maradona , when they must avoid a heavy loss to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16. Even a defeat by a one-goal margin would allow the Serie A side to book a place for the knock-out phase.

It remains to be seen if Osimhen will be included in the starting XI as the Nigerian forward didn’t take part in a training session at Castel Volturno yesterday as he had taken a private flight to Morocco to attend the ceremony for the African Footballer of the Year Award.

Mazzarri told Sky Sport Italia, via TuttoNapoli, that Osimhen “did what he had to.”

“I will talk to him tomorrow and understand if he can start,” the Tuscan coach noted. “The AFCON is around the corner too, so we know we must do without him for a while, we have two good players like Giacomo Raspadori and Giovanni Simeone.”

Napoli have lost four of their opening seven Serie A games at the Stadio Maradona and suffered three consecutive losses with Mazzarri in charge.

Osimhen has scored six goals in 14 appearances with Napoli so far this season.

UEFA FIXTURES TODAY

FC Copenhagen vs. Galatasaray

Man United vs. Bayern

GROUP B

Lens vs. Sevilla

PSV vs. Arsenal

Union Berlin vs. Real

Napoli vs. Braga

GROUP D

Red Bull vs. Benfica

Inter vs. Sociedad

December 12, 2023
CAF AWARDS: Osimhen, Oshoala rule Africa

History was made last night in Marrakech, Morocco , as Nigeria international strikers Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala were crowned the 2023 Africa Footballer of the Year respectively in the Men and Women’s categories.

Oshimen , whose goals partly helped Napoli to win their first Serie A title after 33 years wait, saw off stiff challenge from both Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah to win his first most sought-after continental individual prize.

The 24-year-old Osimhen who was CAF Youth Player of the Year eight years ago, acknowledged coach Emmanuel Amuneke for giving him his breakthrough after he led Nigeria to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015, adding he would not have made it to the podium without the support of his mentor as well as several others who had played a role in his career.

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On her part, Oshoala made a clarion call for more support for women’s football throughout the continent, adding that an African team would soon conquer the world following the performance of the continent’s flagbearers at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and new Zealand.

The Super Falcons carted home the Women’s National Team of the Year and the award was received by an excited Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau.

Indeed, the best of Nigeria was on parade last night as former Super Falcons and Delta Queens goalkeeper, Precious Dede , handed over the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year to her compatriot and proud winner of the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie.

After thankng the NFF and her French club, Paris FC, Nnadozie quipped: “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.”

Another former Super Falcons and four-time Women’s African Footballer of the Year, Perpetua Nkwocha was also on the podium to present the Women’s Coach of the Year to Bayana Bayana of South Africa handler, Desiree Ellis.

Amuneke was also in the mix by presenting the men’s Coach of the Year to Morocco’s coach Head coach Walid Regragui.

CAF awards 2023: ALL THE WINNERS

Player of the Year (Men)

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli)

Player of the Year (Women)

Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)

Coach of the Year (Men)

Walid Regragui (Morocco)

Coach of the Year (Women)

Winner: Desiree Ellis (South Africa)

Goalkeeper of the Year (Men)

Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal)

Goalkeeper of the Year (Women)

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)

Goal of the Year:

Mahmoud “Kahraba” Abdel-Moneim

National Team of the Year (Men)

Winner: Morocco

National Team of the Year (Women)

Nigeria

Young Player of the Year (Men)

Lamine Camara (Senegal, Metz)

Young Player of the Year (Women)

Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)

Interclub Player of the Year (Men)

Percy Tau (South Africa, Ahly)

Interclub Player of the Year (Women)

Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)

Club of the Year (Men)

Ahly (Egypt)

Club of the Year (Women)

Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

December 12, 2023
Osimhen, Oshoala win 2023 CAF men’s, women’s player of the year

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has won the 2023 CAF men’s player of the year award.

The awards gala took place on Monday, December 11, at the Palais des Congrès, Movenpick, Marrakech, Morocco.

Osimhen is first Nigerian player to be named African men’s player of the year in 24 years after Nwankwo Kanu claimed the coveted award in 1999.

Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke and Victor Ikpeba are the only other Nigerians who were previously named the best players on the continent.

Kanu, however, remains the only one to have won the award more than once (1996 and 1999).

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Osimhen battled with Morocco’s Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi and Egypt’s Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah to emerge as winner.

The 24-year-old has been in fine form for Napoli in the past 12 months guiding the Serie A club to their first league victory in 33 years and scoring a league-high 26 goals in 32 Serie A games last season, and 31 goals across all competitions.

For his impressive performance in Italy, the Nigerian won the Serie A Best Striker, Paolo Rossi and Italian Footballers’ Association Player of The Year awards.

He also received a nomination for the Ballon d’Or and is in the running for the Globe Soccer award.

Also, Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala extended her record-breaking reign, emerging as Women’s CAF Player of the year.

Oshoala helped Barcelona claim the UEFA Women’s Champions League, while also guiding the Catalans to a league victory as they went unbeaten the whole season.

December 11, 2023