Victor Osimhen becomes first Nigerian player to win African best since 1999

Nigeria's football sensation, Victor Osimhen, clinched the prestigious 2023 African Golden Ball at the CAF Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco, marking a triumphant journey from Lagos to Napoli, with notable stops at Wolfsburg, Charleroi, LOSC Lille, and finally, Italy.

Osimhen's stellar season saw him net 26 goals and provide 5 assists in 32 games, a performance that played a crucial role in Napoli's Serie A triumph after 33 years.

His victory, surpassing contenders such as Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi, establishes him as the first Nigerian to claim the African Golden Ball since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.

This prestigious accolade further cements Osimhen's position as the certified scorer for the Super Eagles, setting the stage for Nigeria's participation in the upcoming African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2023 in Cote d'Ivoire.

The tournament will see Nigeria grouped with the host nation, Ivory Coast, as well as Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.

In a parallel celebration, Asisat Oshoala, the prolific FC Barcelona striker from Nigeria, secured the 2023 Women's Golden Ball for the sixth time in her illustrious career—an unparalleled feat.

As Osimhen and Oshoala revel in their well-deserved triumphs, the resonance of their achievements adds heightened anticipation to Nigeria's performance in the imminent Africa Cup of Nations tournament.