Victor Osimhen’s remarkable performance over the past year has made him a strong contender for Africa’s top football honor, the CAF Player of the Year Award. Former Arsenal and Real Madrid striker Emmanuel Adebayor has publicly expressed his support for Osimhen, stating that he believes the Nigerian striker is the rightful recipient of the prestigious award.
Osimhen’s journey to success has been nothing short of spectacular. The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the most lethal forces in world football, evidenced by his status as the third-joint most expensive player in the world. Last season, he played a pivotal role in Napoli’s triumph in Serie A, scoring an impressive 26 goals and helping the club secure their first league title in 33 years. Osimhen also broke the Serie A scoring records previously held by legendary players Samuel Eto’o and George Weah, becoming the first African recipient of the Capocannoniere.
Not only has Osimhen excelled domestically, but he has also made a significant impact on the continental stage. In the UEFA Champions League, he netted five goals as Napoli reached the quarterfinals for the first time in their history. Additionally, the Nigerian striker has consistently delivered outstanding performances for the Super Eagles, further solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s finest talents.
Despite the speculation surrounding Osimhen’s future and potential transfers, it is unlikely that he will leave Napoli this summer. The Italian club is keen to extend his contract and secure his services for the foreseeable future.
Osimhen’s consistent brilliance has placed him among the frontrunners for the upcoming CAF Player of the Year Award. Many believe that his exceptional contributions to Napoli’s success make him the deserving recipient of the prestigious accolade. Adebayor, who shares this sentiment, emphasized Osimhen’s impact on the team, stating that he scored crucial goals in important matches and played a key role in Napoli’s Scudetto win. Adebayor believes that Osimhen’s performances stand out, particularly in comparison to other African players such as Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, who faced injury and poor form, respectively.
Alongside Osimhen, other favorites for the award include Riyad Mahrez, who achieved a treble with Manchester City, and Yassine Bounou, who won the Europa League with Sevilla and represented Morocco in the 2022 World Cup.
As the anticipation builds for the CAF Player of the Year Award, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen, whose exceptional year has firmly established him as one of Africa’s brightest football talents.
