Victor Osimhen’s incredible performances for Napoli and the Nigerian national team have not gone unnoticed, as he has become a prolific goal scorer and a key player for both club and country. However, it seems that his chances of winning the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award may be hindered by the success of Morocco at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Osimhen’s unprecedented achievement of winning the Capocannoniere in the Serie A demonstrated his world-class talent and scoring prowess, as he played a crucial role in Napoli’s first scudetto win in over three decades. Additionally, his outstanding performance in the AFCON 2023 qualification phase further solidified his reputation as one of the top African players of his generation.
Despite his stellar performances, Osimhen may face stiff competition for the CAF Player of the Year award, as the period considered for the award also includes Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The success of the Moroccan national team, coupled with the exceptional performances of players like Achraf Hakimi, could potentially sway the voting panel in favor of Moroccan players.
This situation is reminiscent of the 2006 CAF Player of the Year award, where Samuel Eto’o, despite his outstanding performances for Barcelona and in the UEFA Champions League, lost out to Didier Drogba, who had an impressive showing at the 2006 FIFA World Cup with the Ivory Coast national team.
While Osimhen’s individual achievements speak for themselves, it remains to be seen whether the success of a national team at a major tournament will factor into the decision-making process for the CAF Player of the Year award. Regardless of the outcome, there is no denying that Osimhen’s impact on the pitch has been nothing short of extraordinary, and he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in African football.
