Recently-crowned African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen is grateful to the man who gave him a chance to prove his worth.
Super Eagles striker and recently crowned African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen has dedicated his award to Nigeria legend Emmanuel Amuneke.
The Napoli hitman shrugged off competition from Morroco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egypt’s Mo Salah to become the first Nigerian player since Kanu Nwankwo to win the prestigious award.
19:41 - 11.12.2023
CAFAwards2023: Salah should win best player not Osimhen — Amuneke
Super Eagles Legend Emmanuel Amunike picks Mohammed Salah over Victor Osimhen for CAF African Player of the Year Award
23:50 - 11.12.2023
FOOTBALL Osimhen ends Nigeria's 24-year wait for CAF Men's Player of the Year award
Osimhen enjoyed a stellar campaign for Napoli, winning the Serie A top scorer award and helping end Napoli’s long wait for a Scudetto title.
The last time a Nigerian player picked the CAF Player of the Year Award was some 24 years ago, and Victor Osimhen has now brought back the coveted prize to the West African powerhouse.
Victor Osimhen and Emmanuel Amuneke
Before the award ceremony in Marrakech Morrocco, Pulse Sports reported that Super Eagles legend Emmanuel Amuneke named Mo Salah ahead of compatriot Victor Osimhen as the most deserving of the top prize in African football.
Many Nigerians on social media ranted and blasted Emmanuel Amuneke for his comments, with many labelling him ‘bad belle’ and an ‘enemy within.’
However, Victor Osimhen bared no grudges against the man who gave him the chance to play for Nigeria at the U-17 World Cup in 2015.
An excited Osimhen after winning the award said:
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. First of all, I want to say thank you God for everything. Special thanks goes to Emmanuel Amunike. Without him, I don’t think I would be standing in front of you guys holding one of the most prestigious awards in world football. It’s a dream come true for me.”
Emmanuel Amuneke led a group of young Nigerian players, including Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Kelechi Nwakali, to conquer the world at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile.
23:18 - 11.12.2023
Victor Osimhen: The Prince that was promised ends Nigeria's APOTY Long Night
Nigeria's 24-year wait for a CAF Men's Player of the Year winner finally came to an end on Monday night, with Victor Osimhen standing tall as Africa's undisputed best
22:02 - 11.12.2023
We run the continent - Reactions as Osimhen and Oshoala SWEEP CAFAwards2023 for Nigeria
Nigeria's Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala took home the biggest awards at the CAFAwards2023.
Victor Osimhen scored 10 of Nigeria’s 23 goals at the tournament; he won the Golden Boot and the Silver Ball during a fantastic run.
So you can now understand why Victor Osimhen is very grateful to Emmanuel Amuneke for that opportunity that has now transformed his life. Osimhen is one of the hottest strikers in Europe, and many elite clubs are battling for his signature.