By Razeen Gutta
Victor Osimhen won the Italian players’ Player of the Year award this week after helping Napoli to their first league title in 33 years.
The Nigerian forward netted 26 league goals last season to become Serie A’s all-time highest African goalscorer, ahead of George Weah.
Osimhen became the first ever African to claim the award as well, joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the list of winners.
“Thank you for the recognition and awards, thank you my family, friends and supporters for your votes and unending support,” Osimhen said on X.
The 24-year-old will next have his sights on the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award. His eighth place Ballon d’Or finish leaves him as the favourite to take home the prize.
Should he win, he will become the first Nigerian to do so since former Arsenal star Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
PSG women’s striker Tabitha Chawinga made it a double win for Africa on the night as she took home the footballers’ association Women’s Player of the Year award.
The Malawian netted 23 goals for Inter Milan last year to finish as the top scorer in Serie A Femminile.
The CAF awards will take place on 11 December in Marrakech.
Pictured above: Victor Osimhen.
Image source: @victorosimhen9
