Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, clinched the prestigious Italian footballers’ association player of the year accolade for his stellar performances with Napoli in the previous season. The Super Eagles sensation received the award during Monday night’s ceremony following his pivotal role in securing Napoli’s first league title in 33 years.

Osimhen’s exceptional prowess was highlighted by his remarkable 26 Serie A goals during the 2022-23 season, surpassing George Weah’s record as the top-scoring African in the Italian top flight. This historic feat not only solidified his position as a standout player but also made him the inaugural African recipient of the AIC award, a distinction previously attained by luminaries such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andrea Pirlo, Cristiano Ronaldo, and last year’s awardee, Rafael Leao.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Osimhen conveyed his thanks to his supporters, family, and friends for their unwavering votes and backing. His inclusion in the Serie A team of the year further underscored his exceptional contributions to the league.

Despite grappling with injuries this season, the 24-year-old striker has managed to net six goals in 10 league appearances. His impactful return as a substitute in Napoli’s triumph against Atalanta on November 25 exhibited his resilience and determination.

Following his AIC award win and a commendable eighth-place finish in the 2023 men’s Ballon d’Or, Osimhen now sets his sights on a historic feat: becoming the first Nigerian player to seize the Confederation of African Football (CAF) men’s player of the year trophy since Nwankwo Kanu’s achievement in 1999 during his tenure with Arsenal.

Meanwhile, the African football scene celebrated another triumph as Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga clinched the AIC women’s prize. Chawinga, who emerged as the top scorer in the domestic league last season with 23 goals for Inter Milan, secured the award. Despite her remarkable feat as the first African woman to claim this title in Serie A Femminile, she was surprisingly omitted from CAF’s shortlist of nominees for the African women’s player of the year award.

The highly anticipated CAF awards will unveil their winners on December 11 in Marrakesh, Morocco, where football enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement.