Two of the best players on the continent will get to strut their stuff at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, but who will come out on top between Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah
The African football landscape is set to witness an exhilarating showcase of talent in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Nigeria's Victor Osimhen and Egypt's Mohamed Salah at the forefront.
Victor Osimhen: Nigeria's Striking Sensation
Top Scorer in AFCON Qualifiers: Osimhen emerged as the top scorer in the 2023 AFCON qualifying series, netting an impressive 10 goals in six games, including a hat-trick against Sao Tome and Principe.
![Osimhen parties with Oshoala, Alozie and Super Eagles stars while Napoli struggle again](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/30122023/57e267e3-2222-47e8-9013-0841cf3735df.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
09:26 - 30.12.2023
Osimhen parties with Oshoala, Alozie and Super Eagles stars while Napoli struggle again
Victor Osimhen's night out with Oshoala, Alozie, and Super Eagles companions amidst Napoli's continuing struggles.
![Salah: Is the Liverpool forward’s impending AFCON absence being overplayed?](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/23122023/7872d93f-f2be-4e3b-93fe-7b6050afd99a.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
09:49 - 28.12.2023
Salah: Is the Liverpool forward’s impending AFCON absence being overplayed?
Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota netted in Liverpool’s win at Burnley, and it was timely for Jurgen Klopp’s men with their superstar forward set to leave for Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt.
Award-Winning Season: The Napoli striker was not only pivotal in leading his club to the Serie A title but also finished as the highest-ranked African in the 2023 Ballon d'Or rankings, placed eighth.
![Victor Osimhen, at 24, Wins CAF Awards After 24 Years since Kanu. (Photo Credit: CAF/X)](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/12122023/440855d6-2ae3-4401-b61e-a0474c1568c3.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
CAF Player of the Year Contender: Osimhen's stellar performances have earned him a nomination for the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award, vying against the likes of Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi.
Mohamed Salah: Egypt's Pride and Liverpool's Prodigy
Salah, playing for Liverpool, is valued at €65 million and ranks second among Africa's most valuable players, just behind Osimhen.
![Mohamed Salah – A Dynamic Force at Liverpool (Credit: Imago)](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/18122023/0ee1a180-f53d-4895-9863-46adb8dc462b.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Ballon d'Or Nomination: Like Osimhen, Salah was also nominated for the 2023 Ballon d'Or, showcasing his consistent excellence on the international stage.
In 2023, Salah scored 26 goals for Liverpool across all competitions and has been a crucial figure for Egypt's national team.
AFCON 2023: A Stage for Rivalry and Glory
Nigeria's High Expectations: With Osimhen's leadership, Nigeria is eyeing glory in Ivory Coast, ending a 10-year wait for the AFCON title.
![AFCON Africa Cup Of Nations Cameron 2021 (10) Mohamed Salah (C) and team Egypt action before receives his silver medal from Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/30092023/a09cffb3-6721-4678-a6e2-0178c401596b.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Egypt's Quest for Dominance: Egypt, led by Salah, holds the record for the most AFCON titles and is eager to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of African football.
Teams to Watch: Apart from Nigeria and Egypt, teams like Senegal, Morocco, and Ghana are also strong contenders, each with their own narratives of aspiration and redemption.
![Victor Osimhen is up for the FIFA The Best Award](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/20092023/e5528891-7230-4adf-80af-03c2272de01f.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
The 2023 AFCON promises to be a tournament filled with drama, skill, and the clash of titans, as Osimhen and Salah, among other African football giants, gear up to leave their mark on the continent's most prestigious football stage.
How Osimhen and Salah will Tear Up AFCON
Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah are set to be central figures in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), each leading their respective teams with a mix of skill, experience, and leadership.
Osimhen, representing Nigeria, finished as the top scorer in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers with 10 goals, showcasing his exceptional goal-scoring ability. His playing style, characterized by speed, strength, and clinical finishing, makes him a significant offensive threat. Beyond scoring, his ability to uplift the team's morale and create opportunities for his teammates underlines his importance to Nigeria's campaign.
Salah, playing for Egypt, is valued at €65 million, reflecting his impact on the field. His experience in top European leagues combines with his skill set, making him a formidable opponent. Salah's leadership qualities are crucial for Egypt, especially in high-pressure situations. His adaptability to different playing styles and tactics adds to his versatility as a player, capable of breaking down defenses through individual brilliance or teamwork.
The presence of Osimhen and Salah at AFCON 2023 elevates the tournament's competitiveness and showcases the rich footballing talent in Africa. Both players are capable of producing game-changing moments, and their performances will be key in their teams' strategies. The way they are utilized and how opponents plan to counter them will be significant tactical aspects of the tournament.
Their participation not only promises thrilling football but also highlights the impact of African players on the global stage. Osimhen and Salah, with their unique strengths and styles, are expected to be pivotal in their teams' quests for glory and will add an extra layer of excitement to AFCON 2023, making it a highly anticipated event for football enthusiasts around the world.
Related content
![Leicester coach cast doubts over Iheanacho's AFCON participation with recent update](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/30122023/797cb58a-51f6-4105-8d15-b9c5173ac44b.png?operations=fit(180:))
14:56 - 30.12.2023
Leicester coach cast doubts over Iheanacho's AFCON participation with recent update
Leicester City's forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, faces uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations
![Mohamed Salah: Klopp assures Liverpool will cope without AFCON-bound topscorer](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/03032023/c831a40e-aadb-4b9d-b225-45bf5db8a2cc.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
12:18 - 30.12.2023
Mohamed Salah: Klopp assures Liverpool will cope without AFCON-bound topscorer
Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool are prepared for the departure of Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo next month.
![Osimhen parties with Oshoala, Alozie and Super Eagles stars while Napoli struggle again](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/30122023/57e267e3-2222-47e8-9013-0841cf3735df.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
09:26 - 30.12.2023
Osimhen parties with Oshoala, Alozie and Super Eagles stars while Napoli struggle again
Victor Osimhen's night out with Oshoala, Alozie, and Super Eagles companions amidst Napoli's continuing struggles.
![Osimhen and crew to get reinforcement: De Laurentiis' apology and Promise](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/29122023/a16f319a-7548-444c-bb1f-24d40d7495ce.png?operations=fit(180:))
23:46 - 29.12.2023
Osimhen and crew to get reinforcement: De Laurentiis' apology and Promise
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis takes reponsibility for current struggles and promises January signings.
![Chelsea will destroy his career — Nigerians beg Osimhen to avoid Stamford Bridge move](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/29122023/51a15517-fd36-465b-bd2a-0d2c1d201242.png?operations=fit(180:))
23:26 - 29.12.2023
Chelsea will destroy his career — Nigerians beg Osimhen to avoid Stamford Bridge move
Nigerian fans advise Osimhen to steer clear of Chelsea when making his next career move.
![Ahmed Musa over Moffi? Nigerians blast Peseiro's final Super Eagles AFCON2023 squad](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/29122023/470aa66b-2540-48d5-8f26-8dee626a3214.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
18:19 - 29.12.2023
Ahmed Musa over Moffi? Nigerians blast Peseiro's final Super Eagles AFCON2023 squad
Nigeria Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has revealed his final 25-man squad for the AFCON2023 with Ahmed Musa chosen ahead of Terem Moffi.
![Proud patriot: Frank Onyeka embraces Super Eagles Duty Ahead of AFCON](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/29122023/ddddaee7-2abc-451d-880f-ca8df749211b.png?operations=fit(180:))
18:09 - 29.12.2023
Proud patriot: Frank Onyeka embraces Super Eagles Duty Ahead of AFCON
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka expressed deep pride in representing Nigeria as he prepares for his second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
![Afcon 2023: it’s not fair — Super Eagles legend J.J. Okocha slams competition schedule and timing](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/29122023/989896d7-d56b-45e8-a911-7653ea0b4730.png?operations=fit(180:))
17:26 - 29.12.2023
Afcon 2023: it’s not fair — Super Eagles legend J.J. Okocha slams competition schedule and timing
Super Eagles legend Jay Jay Okocha calls for a more considerate scheduling of the AFCON that will no longer whisk players away at midseason.
![European Super League faces further setback as FIGC bans Italian club participation](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/06122023/76c139e3-7508-4bff-a0ca-99e8363e1194.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
15:43 - 29.12.2023
European Super League faces further setback as FIGC bans Italian club participation
Serie A clubs can say goodbye to any prospects of joining the breakaway European Super League according to a decision made by Italy's football governing body FIGC
![Chelsea move loading? Osimhen sparks excitement among Blues fans with social media post](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/29122023/3fa7c9b9-43c1-4af5-8f70-5da524f1f3ab.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
15:02 - 29.12.2023
Chelsea move loading? Osimhen sparks excitement among Blues fans with social media post
Victor Osimhen is strongly linked with a move to the Premier League with Chelsea believed to be front-runners for his signature.
![AFCON 2023: Why Osimhen’s Serie A suspension is good news for Super Eagles](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/08122023/7621943e-2f65-4474-8017-778f2c078210.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
13:33 - 29.12.2023
AFCON 2023: Why Osimhen’s Serie A suspension is good news for Super Eagles
Napoli will be without Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen for the last Serie A match of the year after he was sent off against Roma
![Sodiq Ismail: Exclusion of Remo Stars' creative from Super Eagles a HUGE irresponsible mistake](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/29122023/cb97fb88-c9d2-4c43-86ad-2d2c881f2666.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
13:24 - 29.12.2023
Sodiq Ismail: Exclusion of Remo Stars' creative from Super Eagles a HUGE irresponsible mistake
Sodiq Ismail was ignored by Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro despite establishing himself as the best creative hub in the NPFL at Remo Stars.