Nigerian forward, Asisat Oshoala, has thanked coaches and players she has played with over the course of her career after she cemented her place as one of the greatest players on the continent by claiming a record sixth-extending CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award.

This historic win, announced at a ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday, solidifies Oshoala’s status as a legend of the sport.

Before now, Oshoala won the award in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022, and this time, the 29-year-old saw off the contest of South African Thembi Kgatlana and Zambian Barbara Banda to claim the crown.

In her acceptance speech after receiving her title, Oshoala thanked all who had been part of her career especially her coaches and her teammates.

“I would love to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of my journey from grassroots football to national level to club side because without you, my coaches, my teammates, there would be no me,” she said.

She also urged the African teams federations to work together in developing football on the continent to produce a World Cup-winning African team saying, “Football is a team game and I would urge all the federations in Africa to please come together, let’s work together and build our continent, let’s make it the best in the world, it is very possible

“It happened in the last World Cup, the men’s World Cup, we shocked the world, and at the last World Cup in AUtralia, all the national teams that represented Africa, we made history and I believe before the next World Cup, we can get better, and I believe we can do better, and we can win it for sure.

“At the end of the day, if we don’t support ourselves, nobody will come down to Africa, nobody will come to this continent to support. We have to work together as a team because football is a team sport, let us start at home and go to the world and conquer it.

It has been 24 years since Nigeria last won the prestigious CAF Footballer of the Year. But in a splendid night in Marrakech, the wait was terminated and Nigeria became the first to make a double – win both the men’s and women’s title at the same time.

Great thanks to the exploits of both Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala who made the country proud.

Owing to the weight of their wins, the awards were made by the CAF president, Dr. Patrice Motsepe.

Both wore green attires as tributes to the national colour of Nigeria. For Osimhen, he became the first to win at both the Young Players level which he achieved in 2015 and now the most prestigious one.

He equalled Oshoala in doing so as the Super Falcons’ star had in 2015 won the women’s edition of the Young Player of the Year award.

For Oshoala, it was a record extending sixth win. Osimhen paid special tributes to Emmanuel Amuneke as the coach who gave him the opportunity to flourish at the youth level in 2015.

He also thanked his role model, Didier Drogba for inspiration.

Victor Osimhen is the African soccer king, becoming the first player to win at both junior level and the same time at the highest level.

He appreciated Coach Emmanuel Amuneke among other  legends in Africa

Victor Osimhen has shared a heartwarming tale of triumph over adversity, a rising football star has emerged from the challenging streets of Olusosun to claim the prestigious CAF Best African Player 2023 award.

Osimhen, who once navigated the bustling traffic in Lagos State to sell goods, expressed profound gratitude for the joyous moment that marks a significant milestone in his football journey.

Reflecting on a football career characterized by highs, challenging lows, and emotional moments, the player emphasized the pivotal role of goals, echoes of victory, and jubilation in fueling his perseverance. Despite facing criticism, hate, and the sting of defeats, the athlete credited his unwavering motivation to the support of his remarkable family, dedicated fans, particularly those from Nigeria, and an enduring love for the beautiful game.

OSIMHEN’S MESSAGE ON TWITTER

” As a young boy who came from the streets of Olusosun, who had to hawk in traffic almost every day of the week while growing in-order to survive the numerous challenges my family and I were facing, becoming a Treasure in Africa and World Football was a wild dream. 

” Words can’t express the joy in my heart, this is a very special moment to me. My football journey has been a rollercoaster of highs, tough lows and emotions. 

” The goals, echoes and jubilation of victories keeps me going even when the critics, hate and pain of defeats hit me hard in the chest. 

” The support of my amazing family, my fans most especially my Nigerian supporters and the love for the beautiful game of football motivates me to aim higher daily.

” Losing my dear parents in the course of this journey leaves a scar in my heart as they have always been my major driving force for success since I was a kid, may their souls continue to rest in peace. To my wonderful family thanks for always having my back and loving me so much. 

” I wouldn’t have made it this far without your esteemed support. To my fans and Nigerian supporters, your dedication in supporting me on the good days and bad days do not go unnoticed, even amidst the arrows of hatred thrown at me y’all still stood by my side. 

“I am grateful. Winning the CAF Best African Player 2023 is a testament of my hardwork, your love and support. I am so proud of myself for achieving this prestigious award. 

” Thank you CAF, to all the coaches I have played under both local and international, your wisdom and knowledge have played huge roles in guiding my footballing career, thank you so much. 

” I am sure my parents in heaven are smiling at me, this is for you. 

” I also congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie and Asisat Oshoala for their prestigious awards. Dreams do come true! Thank you everyone, GOD is the greatest. 

The Nigerian Women’s National Team has been awarded the National Team of the Year (Women) award at Monday’s CAF Awards 2023 in Marrakech, Morocco.

The Super Falcons were amongst the three African nations that historically reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 at last year’s global showpiece alongside Morocco and South Africa.

Monday’s accolade sees the Super Falcons of Nigeria being the most awarded women’s national team in this category with their record now extending to five National Team of the Year awards in the women’s category.

The newly crowned national team of the year was nominated along with Morocco and South Africa.

The last time they won this award was in 2018

Nigerian shot-stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie made several jaw-dropping saves on her way to being crowned the first-ever CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award on Monday night.

The Paris FC captain beat fellow nominees Khadija Er-Rmichi of Morocco and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini to the groundbreaking prize at a dazzling CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech.

Nnadozie underlined her credentials during this year’s Women’s World Cup, producing a player-of-the-match performance to thwart Canada in Nigeria’s opener.

Her heroic hands pulled off a crucial penalty save and several other gravity-defying stops throughout the tournament.

The 25-year-old has also been integral in Paris FC’s success this season, keeping six clean sheets as they sealed a maiden Women’s Champions League qualification.

As the winner of this history-making new category, the Super Falcons star has certainly set the bar high with her shot-stopping heroics.

With Nnadozie guarding the goal, opponents will face an even tougher task of finding the back of the net against tenacious Nigeria.

After her amazing year between the sticks, Nnadozie now has some coveted individual silverware to show for her efforts.

Nigeria has now won an impressive 13 Africa Women’s Player of the Year Awards – a record on the continent after Asisat Oshoala added a record sixth to her cabinet.

The Super Falcons forward, who enjoyed fine form at country and club levels this year, guided Nigeria to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup thanks to her eventual winner against hosts Australia in the group stages.

“Today is Nigeria’s night. This is the first time ever that two Nigerians have been awarded as African Player of the Year in the women and men’s categories. It is massive. I am so happy for Asisat [Oshoala] and Victor [Osimhen], said an excited Mercy Akide, winner of the inaugural edition in 2001.

“Asisat has been exceptional all year round at both country and club level for Barcelona and to see CAF awarding her means so much to us as a country. Nigeria – we are winners so this is a big day for us.”

Four-time winner Perpetua Nkwocha (2004, 2005, 2010 and 2011) from Nigeria added to the praise saying that, “Asisat has always been exceptional and for her to win tonight means a lot to her and us as a country. This will motivate her to continue working hard.”

Nkwocha and Akide, who are considered pioneers in the growth of Women’s Football in Nigeria and on the continent, said that this will further promote the growth of the game back home and across the continent.

Akide won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 1998, 2000 and 2002 while Nkwocha won the continent’s biggest tournament with Akide in 2002 before inspiring the Super Falcons upfront as well in 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2014.