Nigeria superstar Victor Osimhen was awarded the 2023 Africa Footballer of the Year in Morocco in the CAF Awards. In a wonderful year, Osimhen won the top scorer in the Italian Serie A as he helped Napoli to clinch their first league title in over three decades.
In an appreciation post on X, formerly Twitter, Osimhem shared his excitement and football journey with his fans and the football world.
“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 up to survive the numerous challenges my family and I were facing, becoming a treasure in Africa and the World Football was a wild dream, Osimhen wrote.
“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 keep me going even when the criticism, hate and pain of defeats hit me hard in the chest, continued Osimhen.
He thanked his family and Nigerian supporters in his post, “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 to supporting me on the good days and bad days does not go unnoticed, even amidst the arrows of hatred thrown at me y’all still stood by my side. I am grateful”, Osimhen said.
Winning the CAF Best African Player 2023 is a testament to my hard work, 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.
Osimhen on his fellow Nigerians winning big at the CAF Awards 2023. He wrote,
“I also congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie and Asisat Oshoala for their prestigious awards. Dreams do come true! Thank you, everyone, GOD is the greatest”.
Victor Osimhen is the first Nigerian to win this prestigious award since Nwankwo Kanu won it in 1999. Osimhen is expected to lead Nigeria to glory in the imminent AFCON in Ivory Coas from early January to mid-February 2024.
