The 2023 CAF Award winners were announced this evening. Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian football sensation from Napoli, clinched the coveted title of 2023 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football Awards in Marrakech, Morocco. This marked Nigeria’s first win since Nwankwo Kanu’s triumph over two decades ago. Osimhen’s stellar performance, propelling Napoli to a Serie A title, outshone contenders Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah in this prestigious recognition in African football.
CAF Awards 2023 Winners
- Women’s Team of the Year: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies
- Men’s Team of the Year: Al Ahly
- Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Percy Tau (South Africa/Al Ahly)
- Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco/ASFAR)
- Young Women’s Player of the Year: Nesryne El Chad (Morocco/LOSC Lille)
- Young Men’s Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal/FC Metz)
- Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria
- Men’s National Team of the Year: Morocco
- CAF Goal of the Year: Mahmoud Kahraba (Al Ahly vs Al Hilal)
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (FC Paris)
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bounou (Morocco/Al Hilal Saudi)
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Desiree Ellis
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Walid Regragui
- Women’s Footballer of the Year: Asisat Oshoala
- Men’s Footballer of the Year: Victor Osimhen
Percy Tau, the Bafana Bafana standout, secured the interclub Player of the Year for his contributions to Al Ahly’s CAF Champions League victory. However, he couldn’t attend the ceremony as the Red Devils are currently in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, participating in the FIFA Club World Cup.
South Africa celebrated further triumphs with Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies named Team of the Year in the Women’s category. Also, Desiree Ellis claimed her fourth consecutive Women’s Coach of the Year accolade. Thembi Kgatlana, a key player for Banyana Banyana, secured a spot among the top three nominees for the Women’s Player of the Year. However, the title was claimed by Asisat Oshoala, the FC Barcelona and Nigeria national team standout, marking her record-breaking sixth career title win. What a way to end the year with the prestigious 2023 CAF Awards.