Nigerian international officially named Africa’s number one soccer star, praised by one of the greatest players of all time
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba joined many other players in congratulating Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala after the two Nigerian players were named Africa’s Player of the Year on Monday night. Soccernet.ng reported.
Osimhen was named the 2023 CAF Player of the Year for his goals that helped Napoli win their first Scudetto in 33 years and Nigeria qualify for the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles striker defeated strong opponents in Morocco and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi and Egypt and Liverpool striker Mo Salah to win Nigeria’s first POTY title in 24 years.
Similarly, Oshoala was named Africa’s Player of the Year for the sixth time.
In his acceptance speech, Osimhen once again praised Drogba as a role model.
The Ivorian legend took to his X account (formerly Twitter) to praise Osimhen and Oshoala as the new faces of African football.
Long live the new King and Queen of Africa @victorosimhen9 @asisat_oshoala @caf_online
Congratulations my Nigerian People, we are waiting for you in January @afcon_2023 pic.twitter.com/KF239hMUGb— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) December 11, 2023
“Long live the new king and queen of Africa
@victorosimhen9 @asisat_oshoala @caf_online. Congratulations to all Nigerians. We look forward to seeing you in January
@afcon_2023,” Drogba wrote wrote.
While congratulating Osimhen, Drogba also said he can’t wait for Ivory Coast to play Nigeria in the 2023 African Cup of Nations in January.
The tournament’s host country, Ivory Coast, was drawn into the same group as Nigeria.
For Osimhen, this will be the perfect stage to rise to prominence and lead the Super Eagles to their fourth Continental Cup victory, their first in over a decade.