2023 CAF Awards: Victor Osimhen salutes ex-Barcelona winger after POTY success
2023 CAF Awards: Victor Osimhen salutes ex-Barcelona winger after POTY success
Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen, has been named the CAF Best Player Of The Year for his impressive performance in the 2022-23 season campaign
Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen publicly acknowledged Nigerian legend and former Golden Eaglets coach, Emmanuel Amunike for his significant impact on his flourishing football career, Soccernet.ng reports.
During the CAF Awards held in Morocco, Osimhen, while accepting the esteemed African Men’s Footballer of the Year award, expressed his gratitude.
Osimhen who was formerly the Young Player of the Year in 2015 came to the limelight under the guidance the former Barcelona winger during the under-17 World Cup campaign.
He attributed a substantial part of his success to Amunike, stressing that without his mentorship, achieving such recognition in the world of football would have been an improbable feat.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. First of all, I want to say thank you God for everything. Special thanks goes to Emmanuel Amunike. 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. It’s a dream come true for me.” he said.
Watch the video here:
Emmanuel Amunike played a big role and this young man has his respect for him.
Congrats once again, @victorosimhen9
— Ayomide Oguntimehin (@ayo_oguntimehin) December 12, 2023
Breaking a 24-year gap since Nwankwo Kanu’s last victory in 1999, Osimhen became the first Nigerian player to claim the African Men’s Footballer of the Year award.
His triumph over formidable competitors like Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi marked a significant milestone in his career.
Notably, Osimhen stood out as the sole Nigerian player selected in the prestigious CAF 2023 Best XI (Men).
The turning point in Osimhen’s journey unfolded in 2015 when he led the Nigerian U-17 team to a glorious victory in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
His outstanding performance earned him both the Golden Boot and the Silver Ball accolades, setting the stage for his remarkable ascent in the football world.