Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been named CAF Player of the Year for his outstanding performances in the 2022-23 season
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has publicly paid tribute to Nigerian legend and former Golden Eagles coach Emmanuel Amunike, saying he was a huge influence on his successful football career, Soccernet.ng reports. Ta.
At the CAF Awards held in Morocco, Osimhen received the prestigious African Player of the Year award and expressed his gratitude.
Osimhen, who was named Young Player of the Year in 2015, came into the limelight during the Under-17 World Cup under the former Barcelona winger.
He credited a large part of his success to Amunike, stressing that without his guidance, achieving such recognition in the world of football would have been an unlikely achievement.
“Good evening everyone. First of all, I would like to thank God for everything. I would like to thank Mr. Emmanuel Amunike from the bottom of my heart. Without him, I would not be in world football. I don’t think I would have ever stood in front of you with one of the most prestigious awards in my hands. “This is a dream come true for me,” he said.
Watch the video here:
Emmanuel Amunike played a big role and this young man has his respect for him.
Congratulations again. @victorosimhen9
– Zachary Zakat (@ayo_oguntimehin) 1 2023 days 12 May
Osimhen became the first Nigerian player to win the African Player of the Year award, breaking a 24-year gap since Nwankwo Kanu last won it in 1999.
His victories over impressive players such as Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi were important milestones in his career.
Notably, Osimhen was the only Nigerian player to be named in the prestigious CAF 2023 Best Eleven (Men).
The turning point in Osimhen’s journey came in 2015 when he led the Nigeria U-17 team to a spectacular victory at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
His outstanding performances earned him both the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards and laid the foundation for his remarkable rise in the football world.
