By Victor Kanayo
Two Nigerian internationals Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala are now in Marrakesh, Morocco to attend the 2023 CAF Football Awards.
Both lads are favourites to win the gong.
While Osimhen, Super Eagles forward plays for Italy’s Napoli, Oshoala features for Barcelona in Spain.
Gunning For The First Time
Unlike Oshoala who has won it five times, Osimhen who fly into Morocco via chattered private jet is yet to get the award for once.
He is hoped to break the 24-year jinx that has afflicted Nigeria in the lead category of the CAF Awards.
The Nigeria football player has been shortlisted for the Men’s African Player of the Year 2023, alongside, Liverpool and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, and Morocco and PSG’s defender, Achraf Hakimi.
Hurdles Before Osimhen
Osimhen faces formidable competition from two-time winner Salah of Liverpool and Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain who hasn’t also won it.
Osimhen’s impressive performance last season should make him a strong candidate. He scored 26 goals, leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years, and played a crucial role in Nigeria qualifying for the upcoming AFCON.
Nwankwo Kanu who was honoured on the opening match of the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations in Lagos was the last Nigerian to have won the award meant for 1999 edition.
Oshoala – Sure Of Record-breaking Feat?
On the other hand, Oshoala didn’t train with her Barcelona teammates at their training base in Nou Camp ahead of their Wednesday’s Women Champions League trip to Malmo for Rosengard is aiming for the sixth record-extending victory.
If she does, she will become the first African to win the prestigious award for a record extending sixth.
Her triumph will also mean that a Nigerian have the prize a record-extending 13 times.
