By Victor Kanayo
Nigerian international Victor Osimhen is now the Footballer of the Year in Italy, courtesy of Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC).
The award was bestowed on the goal poarcher after an impressive season in front of goal for Napoli.
According to the association, Osimhen was selvected as the 2023 winner based on his goalscoring contributions during Napoli’s Scudetto-winning campaign.
The Super Eagles forward scored 26 league goals from 32 Serie A appearances.
Osimhen has already netted six goals from 10 Serie A appearances this season, despite struggling with injuries.
After firing the Partenopei to their first Scudetto in 33 years, Osimhen and his teammates were recognised across various categories, with the most prestigious award of the night, the Player of the Year, being the last to be handed out.
At the moment, Osimhen is among three players shortlisted for African footballer of the year award by CAF, an event scheduled for December 11, 2023 in Morocco.
Award History
The AIC awards began in 1968, and includes several notable accolades, which includes the team of the year, coach of the year, club of the year and goal of the season.
Previous Players For Same Honour
The likes of Rafael Leao, Gianluigi Buffon, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrea Prilo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have won previous editions of the Player of the Year award.
Also, Napoli was crowned as the club of the year, while their former coach Luciano Spalletti and winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia picked up the awards for best coach and best goal of the season respectively.
The 2023 Serie A team of the season was set-up in a 4-3-3 formation, with all 11 players coming from just three clubs.
